Niagara mayors welcome new $78M provincial funding to build region schools

The provincial government has announced $78.1 million in funding to expand and build schools in Niagara.

Niagara-West MPP Sam Oosterhoff announced the funding Friday — a move aimed at creating more classroom space as Niagara communities continue to grow.

“Our government is investing to build and expand four schools in Niagara to the tune of $78.1 million,” said Oosterhoff.

The spending is part of a larger provincial school infrastructure plan that was announced last month by Education Minister Paul Calandra.

“Through the ‘Capital Priorities Program,’ Ontario taxpayers will be investing $1.6 billion in 79 school projects across Ontario,” said Oosterhoff.

Provincial officials say the funding is designed to help school boards keep up with rapid population growth across the province.

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For years, school boards have been dealing with aging buildings, a growing demand for more learning space and overcrowded classrooms.

“Overcrowding — we’ve managed; we’ve had portables,” said Kelly Pisek, the director of education at the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN). “What it is, is an investment in our students and the learning facilities.”

The DSBN says the new and expanded schools will give students modern learning spaces built to support their future.

“By creating high-quality learning spaces and broadening access to childcare, both are essential to families, we’re strengthening the foundation for student success and enhancing the vitality of the communities we serve,” said Kate Baggott, the chair of the DSBN.

The 78.1 million in funding will go toward a new South Central Elementary School in Fort Erie, along with expansions at Glynn A. Green Public School in Pelham, Oakwood Public School in Port Colborne, and Greater Fort Erie Secondary School.

READ MORE: New and expanded elementary schools set to open in Niagara area

Municipal leaders say the timing is important as new housing developments continue to bring more young families into Niagara communities.

“Just back in 2014, Port Colborne was 18,500 population and today we’re 22,132 — we are growing and that growth is coming from young families coming into Port Colborne so, this is a great announcement,” said Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele.

Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin says the expansion will also help students stay and learn closer to home.

“Better atmosphere for learning and can stay in the town to continue their learning,” said Junkin.

Once complete, the four projects will create nearly 900 new elementary spaces, 500 secondary student spaces and more than 100 licensed childcare spaces across the DSBN.

The expansion projects are expected to be completed by September 2027.

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