The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 22 at the future location of the New Cambridge Joint Elementary School at 605 Wesley Boulevard in Cambridge.
We were joined by representatives from the Region of Waterloo, City of Cambridge, YWCA Cambridge and Ontario Education Minister, Paul Calandra, as we look forward to the new school serving WRDSB and WCDSB students, families and communities.
From left: Scott Miller, WRDSB Director of Education, Billy Pang, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, Jess Dixon, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, Jan Liggett, Cambridge Mayor, Karen Redman, Regional Chair of the Waterloo Region, Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, Brian Riddell, MPP | Cambridge.
"Our government is focused on supporting students, teachers, and parents while ensuring school boards are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed," said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. "Once completed, this project will offer an inspiring learning environment that helps students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Our government will continue to provide the resources students need for ultimate achievement."
"As someone who has spent a lifetime in education and community service, I know the power of collaboration to build spaces where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed," said Maedith Radlein, Chair of the WRDSB Board of Trustees. This joint-use school shows what is possible when we work together to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community."
"Today marks a new chapter for elementary school construction in Waterloo Region as we begin the joint school build in South East Galt," said Renée Kraft, Chair of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. "We are excited to take part in this inspiring partnership with the Waterloo Region District School Board. This milestone stands as a strong example of how collaboration and a shared vision can serve the greater good of our community. Together, we will work to create a space that honours the unique values and traditions of each board, and supports WCDSB's vision: success for each, a place for all."
Photo from the October 2024 land acknowledgement and blessing ceremony.
Designed by J.P. Thomson Architects Ltd, a full-service architectural firm located in Ontario, the project represents the first joint use elementary school in Waterloo Region and is an effort to combine our resources to maximize our ability to better serve the Cambridge community. The new design will feature shared gymnasiums and library spaces, a purpose-built child care centre, and a remarkable steel truss feature at the main entrance. Inspired by the historic bridges that span the Grand River, the truss symbolizes the connection between the two school boards and reflects the local architectural heritage.
"This groundbreaking marks more than the beginning of a new school building - it represents a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and the future of education in Cambridge," said Scott Miller, Director of Education for the WRDSB. "Together with our partners at the WCDSB, we are creating a space where students will thrive, families will feel welcomed, and our community will grow stronger."
"We are thrilled to be part of this joint venture, which speaks to the spirit of collaboration and community that defines our region," said Tyrone Dowling, Director of Education for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. "This project reflects our shared hope for the future and our belief, grounded in faith, that when we come together, we can build learning spaces where every student feels a deep sense of belonging, purpose, and possibility. We're grateful to our partners at the Waterloo Region District School Board and look forward to opening the doors in September 2026."
As construction continues, the New Cambridge Joint Elementary Schools will also receive names, in accordance with WRDSB and WCDSB policies.
About the New Cambridge Joint Elementary Schools
The New Cambridge Joint Elementary Schools, located at 605 Wesley Blvd in Cambridge. The school will provide:
- 519 new elementary school spaces for WRDSB students
- 354 new elementary school spaces for WCDSB students
- 88 licensed child-care spaces
The school is tentatively scheduled to open in September 2026.
For more information
35 Weber St. W., - Unit A
Kitchener Ontario
Canada N2G 4G2
www.wcdsb.ca
