The Ontario government is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by opening 18,300 new student spaces and 1,130 licensed child care spaces this fall in communities across the province. Through an investment of over $1 billion, 35 new and expanded schools will support growing communities by giving students the modern learning spaces they need to succeed in their studies and prepare for in-demand careers. The government is investing $30 billion over its 10-year plan to build, expand and renew schools across Ontario.
"As students head back to school, our focus is on giving every student the opportunity to succeed," said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. "That means giving teachers the tools and resources they need, investing in modern schools, and making sure every dollar we invest in education is driving stronger student achievement."
Minister Calandra was in Bradford today to visit the newly constructed St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Elementary School, which will welcome more than 500 students and provide 49 licensed child care spaces. The $27.9 million investment will support growing enrolment in Simcoe County. The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board will also welcome students this fall to the new Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School in Tottenham, a $28.2 million investment for more than 500 students and 49 licensed child care spaces. Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Bradford West Gwillimbury is opening a $10.9 million addition to provide 276 more student spaces at the school. Elsewhere in Simcoe County, five new projects were recently approved for funding at various locations in the English-language school board which are scheduled to open in the next few years.
For the 2026-27 school year, Ontario is providing historic levels of education funding, with an investment of $30.6 billion, while making changes to strengthen student achievement and deliver more consistent learning experiences across the province that prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. Students and teachers will return to updated curriculum, new classroom resources and stronger supports, including new tools to support financial literacy and math, direct access to funding for elementary homeroom teachers to purchase classroom supplies, and clearer expectations around attendance and assessment.
Ontario's record investments in education funding are part of the government's plan to protect Ontario and ensure schools can continue to deliver high-quality education, with a back-to-basics approach that prepares students with practical skills they need for good-paying, stable careers.
Quick Facts
- The Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, brings greater accountability, consistency and modernization to Ontario's education system through new and enhanced measures to further support student success. It also provides the Ministry of Education with stronger tools to intervene in the capital planning process when boards are unable to deliver projects in the best interests of students and educators.
- The government is investing $1.3 billion annually to support new school buildings, school expansions and renovations across the province in each of the past three years, the highest level of school capital funding in Ontario's history.
- Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $7.6 billion for major capital projects, including 209 new schools, 161 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings and created more than 150,000 new student spaces and more than 11,000 new licensed child care spaces.
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