CONSEIL DES ÉCOLES CATHOLIQUES DU CENTRE-EST
Construction Begins for the Future French-Language Catholic High School in Riverside South

On December 2, the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) marked the official launch of the construction project for the future Catholic high school in the Riverside South area. To mark this major milestone, CECCE members, including Mr. Olivier Tremblay-Venneri, School Trustee, Mr. George Darouze, Member of Provincial Parliament, Mr. Steve Desroches, City Councillor, Ms. Marie-Christine Lemenchick, Head of the Student Support and Regional Services Division at the Ministry of Education, and Mr. Michel Bédard, Education Officer with the Regional Services Branch of the Ministry of Education, as well as members of the school community, gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking on the site located at the intersection of Bobridge Avenue and Brian Good Avenue.

From left to right: Marc Bertrand, Director of Education; Olivier Tremblay-Venneri, School Trustee; George Darouze, Member of Provincial Parliament; students from École élémentaire catholique Jonathan-Pitre; Nya Njeuga, Superintendent of Education; Steve Desroches, City Councillor.

Quick Facts

• This project is made possible thanks to a $40.8 million investment from the Government of Ontario, along with an additional $2.4 million provided through the Canada-Ontario program for the construction of a child care centre.
• This investment reflects the government's strong commitment to supporting the growth of the Francophone community in south Ottawa.
• The new school, scheduled to open for the 2027-2028 school year, will offer a modern, fully equipped environment designed to meet the current and future needs of Francophone families in the region.
• The school will include 18 regular classrooms, 5 science labs, a triple gymnasium, and a 49-space child care centre.

Quotations:  

"We are delighted to see the first steps toward the construction of our new school. It will be a place where our young people can learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that celebrates our language, our Franco-Ontarian culture, and our values. It will truly be a home for Francophone students in South Ottawa. This project is being made possible thanks to the support of the Ontario Ministry of Education, to whom we express our sincere gratitude." shares Johanne Lacombe, CECCE Chair.

"This project is the result of an important team effort from an entire community that came together with heart and determination to secure services that meet the needs of secondary students in this area. The construction of this new school will help provide additional spaces for students from Franco-Cité and Pierre-Savard, whose growing enrolment reflects the public's confidence in French and catholic education." explains Olivier Tremblay-Venneri, school trustee for Barrhaven East, Barrhaven West, Knoxdale-Merivale, Rideau-Jock, and Riverside South-Findlay Creek.

"This new secondary school is our way of telling young people: we believe in you, and we are investing in your future. We want to offer them spaces where they can explore their passions and develop their talents in an environment that inspires them to excel. At the same time, this school will strengthen the connection with Ottawa's Francophone community, ensuring that our culture continues to shine for generations to come," emphasizes Marc Bertrand, Director of Education.