Prime Highlights: 

$1.3 billion investment to build 30 new schools and expand 15 existing schools across Ontario. 

Creation of over 25,000 new student spaces and 1,600 licensed child care spaces. 

Investment addresses growing demand in expanding communities, ensuring modern learning spaces. 

Key Background: 

The Ontario government unveiled a historic investment of $1.3 billion to support the construction of 30 new schools and the expansion of 15 existing ones across the province. This investment aims to create over 25,000 new student spaces and more than 1,600 new licensed child care spaces. The initiative is designed to address the growing demand for educational infrastructure in rapidly expanding areas of Ontario, providing students with modern, innovative learning environments to support their academic success. 

Minister of Education Jill Dunlop highlighted that this marks the second consecutive year of significant investments in school construction and expansion under the government’s “Build Ontario” plan. “Our government is building schools faster and more efficiently than ever before, ensuring that more students have access to quality education that prepares them for the workforce of tomorrow,” said Dunlop. 

The new projects, part of the 2024-25 Capital Priorities program, were selected after a thorough review of school boards’ submissions. The investments prioritize regions with critical space needs, including areas experiencing significant population growth due to housing development. Additionally, special attention is given to increasing access to French-language education across the province. 

To expedite progress, the government is focusing on shovel-ready projects, allowing schools to be built quickly and efficiently while mitigating rising construction costs. The Ministry of Education is working closely with school boards to ensure these projects are delivered on time and within budget, aided by streamlined approval processes. 

This funding is part of Ontario’s broader commitment to invest approximately $16 billion over the next decade in new school construction, as well as the renewal and enhancement of existing school facilities. In addition to this $1.3 billion for new builds, the Ministry of Education has allocated approximately $1.4 billion in renewal funding for the 2024-25 school year to ensure the continued improvement of existing school infrastructure.