The $18 million project will transform the school into a community hub
The Grand Erie District School Board has received formal approval and funding from the Ministry of Education for the Elgin Avenue Public School project. While a lot of work has already taken place at the school, significant construction will begin in February 2025, with an anticipated opening between January and March 2026.
"We're thankful for the Ministry's continued support and the opportunities it will bring to Grand Erie. Through the support from the ministry, amazing schools like Elgin Avenue Public School are revitalized to build a culture of learning, well-being and belonging for students and staff," says Susan Gibson, Chair of the Board.
The Ministry's approval paves the way for the transformation of Elgin Avenue into a vibrant community hub. The project will expand the size of the existing school by over 17,000 square feet, including:
- A four-classroom kindergarten addition to the northeast section of the building.
- A new accessible entrance will house a new elevator, accessing all existing floors.
- A new three-room childcare and one EarlyON room.
- Significant renovations and upgrades to the existing building footprint.
"We're thrilled to move forward with this project at Elgin Avenue and appreciate the Ministry of Education's commitment to renewing infrastructure across the Grand Erie District School Board," says JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. "Investments like this support Grand Erie's strategic plan and vision to lead, learn and inspire.
"As a parent, I know families in Ontario need to have access to modern schools close to home in their local community and that's why building more schools is a key part of our Building Ontario plan," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. "Our government is proud to deliver the largest one-year investment in new schools in Ontario history and I'm excited to work with all our partners in education to support these vital infrastructure projects."
