An expansion is in the works at Cobblestone Elementary School in south-west Paris to address the increasing need for learning spaces and child care in the growing community, thanks to funding through the Ministry of Education as part of the Capital Priorities program and the Child Care Capital funding.
"I'd like to thank the Ministry of Education for its strong support of this project, ensuring we can continue providing quality public education in facilities that allow learners to thrive," said Susan Gibson, Chair, Grand Erie District School Board. "It's a great investment in the future of this region."
The investment of $4,098,600 through the Capital Priorities program enables the school to address accommodation pressures through construction that will add eight new classrooms allowing for an additional 184 pupil spaces. Grand Erie also requested funding for child-care spaces associated with this capital project, with total approved funding of $3,045,153 to add a four-room addition to the school to provide 64 licensed child-care spaces for infants, toddlers and preschool children through the Child Care Capital funding and accumulated surplus. Cobblestone currently has a student population of more than 600, a number that is projected to increase next year.
"Investments like this demonstrate an important commitment to building the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of families across our district," said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. "The learning spaces this project provides will allow students to get the best starts possible on their educational journeys."
The full scope of work is expected to be completed by September 2026.
