Ontario Building New Schools to Support Growing Etobicoke Community

Projects Will Deliver Modern Classrooms and Create More Childcare Spaces for Families

The Voice of Canada News:

The Ontario government is investing more than $62.4 million to build two new secondary schools in Etobicoke. These new buildings will accommodate more than 2,000 students, offering modern classrooms and the latest technology to help ensure the very best learning environment. These projects are part of the government’s commitment to invest $12 billion over 10 years to build more schools and upgrade existing facilities across the province.

The announcement was made at Bishop Allen Academy by Premier Doug Ford, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, Kinga Surma, MPP for Etobicoke Centre, and Christine Hogarth, MPP for Etobicoke—Lakeshore.

“By making these investments in education, we are providing our kids with a solid foundation that will set them up for lifelong success,” said Premier Ford. “Our schools are at the heart of our communities. When we invest in our schools, we are investing in our future, and through the construction of projects like these, we will also be contributing to the long-term recovery of our province.”

The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) will receive funding from the Capital Priorities Program to create two new secondary schools. This investment includes $36 million for Bishop Allen Academy to build a replacement facility that will support 1,300 students. Funding of $26.4 million will be made available to support the construction of an additional Catholic secondary school in central Etobicoke.

“Your kids deserve to learn in modern, accessible, safe, and digitally connected schools,” said Minister Lecce. “Our government is taking real action by building state of the art schools so that your child has every opportunity to succeed and learn in the best learning spaces.”

These investments are part of the government’s total commitment of $550 million in 2020-21 to build 20 new schools and eight permanent school additions across the province. These investments will create a total of nearly 16,000 new student learning spaces and 870 new licensed child care spaces.

As part of the government’s commitment to invest $12 billion in capital grants over 10 years, Ontario is investing over $500 million in 2019-20 and the $550 million for 2020-21 to build new schools and renovate existing ones. The province is also working with school board partners to identify other priority large-scale school-based capital projects. Today’s announcement continues to build upon the government’s commitment of up to $1 billion over five years to create up to 30,000 new child care spaces, including up to 10,000 spaces in new schools.

Quick Facts

• Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in March, the government has approved over $1 billion in capital projects in education, including 50 new schools, 23 additions to existing facilities and 1,765 new licensed child care spaces.
• In July 2020, the government announced over $500 million to build 30 new schools and 15 permanent additions to existing facilities, along with nearly 900 new licensed child care spaces.
• The Ministry of Education is also investing $1.4 billion in renewal funding, which continues to meet the funding level recommended by the Auditor General of Ontario to preserve the condition of Ontario’s school facilities.
• The Ontario government released its safety plan for the resumption of class for the 2020-21 school year in June, outlining how students and teachers would safely return to classrooms, while providing choice to parents, enhanced online learning, and additional funding.

Quotes

“I am extremely proud to join my colleagues in announcing this funding for a new Catholic secondary school, which will help address the growing need for more classroom space in our growing community. This new modern facility will accommodate 900 local students and help solve the long-standing pressure and demand on Michael Power High School.”- Kinga Surma, MPP, Etobicoke Centre

“These are not just investments in bricks and mortar ― our government is investing in the future of our children by creating a better learning environment. By building and upgrading Bishop Allen Academy we are providing students with access to modern classroom settings and the latest technology which will lead to new opportunities and lifelong success.”- Christine Hogarth, MPP, Etobicoke―Lakeshore

“TCDSB is pleased to see that the province is investing in better buildings for the students of Ontario, including this facility. Bishop Allen has been at the top of the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s capital priorities list for many years. We are grateful that the government recognizes that continued investment in education is fundamental to the growth and development of our youth, and for the future success of our communities.”- Joseph Martino, Chair, Toronto Catholic District School Board