The Ontario government is investing $162 million to build two new schools and expand an existing one to support families in fast-growing communities in the Ottawa area, as part of the government's investment in 12 new or expanded schools across the province. The government is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by investing $23 billion over the next 10 years to build, renew and improve schools so students and teachers have safe, modern learning environments they need to succeed.
"By building and expanding schools across the province, we're making sure students can learn in modern, high-quality environments that support strong achievement," said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. "These investments will help students gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed and prepare for rewarding careers."
The province is investing:
- $77.7 million for a new Half Moon Bay Secondary School on Cambrian Road in the Barrhaven area. This Ottawa-Carleton District School Board project will support 1,474 spaces for students in Grades 7 to 12
- $74.7 million for a new Mer Bleue high school in the Ottawa Catholic School Board that will accommodate 1,439 students on Brian Coburn Boulevard in the growing Orléans community of the city
- $9.7 million, including nearly $1.6 million in funding from the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Minority-Language Education and Second Official-Language Instruction, for an addition to l'École élémentaire publique Mamawi in the Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario. The addition will provide 104 new student spaces and 39 new licensed child care spaces
Construction on these shovel-ready projects could get underway as early as Spring 2026.
Ontario continues to make historic investments to build and expand schools. Over the past two years, the government has committed $1.3 billion annually in new school buildings, additions and renovations across the province -- the highest level of school capital funding in Ontario's history.
Quick Facts
- The Capital Priorities Program supports the construction of new schools, permanent additions, renovations and school purchases.
- The investment is part of Ontario's commitment to provide about $23 billion to support new school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years.
- For the 2025-26 school year, the Ministry of Education continues to provide $1.4 billion to school boards to renew and improve schools.
Quotes
"Together, we can build learning environments that meet the needs of every student. Today's investment shows that our government is committed to supporting families in our community with modern, accessible learning spaces. I look forward to continuing to work with the Minister and our local school boards to move these projects forward, ensuring that students in Carleton and all across Ottawa have every opportunity to learn, grow and thrive."
- George Darouze, MPP for Carleton
"By securing funding for this modern, high-quality facility in Barrhaven, along with other capital investments, we ensure our outstanding principals and dedicated teachers have the very best environment to deliver on the fundamentals of education to achieve student success and well-being."
- Bob Plamondon, Supervisor, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
"This significant investment from the Ministry of Education for a new secondary school in Barrhaven is critically important. It will directly address overcrowding in one of our fastest growing communities, ensure sustainable capacity for the future, and provide our students with modern, high-quality learning environments."
- Stacey Kay, Director of Education, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
"The Ottawa Catholic School Board is excited to announce a significant investment by the province in a new Catholic high school for the Mer Bleue community. This project aims to address the area's rapid growth and will provide students with a modern learning environment that is close to home. The school will be designed to support innovative, faith-based and future-focused education. We are committed to creating spaces where students feel a sense of belonging, where their achievements and well-being are prioritized and where every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential."
- Mary Donaghy, Director of Education, Ottawa Catholic School Board
"We thank the Government of Ontario for funding the expansion project of l'école élémentaire publique Mamawi. This investment will allow us to increase our capacity, improve learning spaces and provide environments even better suited to the needs of our students and the Francophone families in the region."
- Christian-Charle Bouchard, Director of Education, Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario
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