Province targets 29,000 new student spaces amid rapid community expansion
KILWORTH, Ont. — The Ontario government is committing $1.6 billion toward the construction and expansion of 79 schools across the province, a move aimed at addressing rising enrolment and modernizing aging infrastructure in fast-growing communities.
The investment, announced Tuesday by Paul Calandra, will create more than 29,000 new student spaces and approximately 1,900 licensed child-care spots. The funding forms part of a broader provincial strategy to align education infrastructure with labour market demands and population growth.
“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Calandra. “We’re building the schools students need, and we’re making sure they get built quickly and on schedule. With stronger oversight and accountability through the Putting Student Achievement First Act, we are ensuring projects are delivered on time and focused on students, so that parents can be confident their children have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”
London region a major beneficiary of funding
A significant portion of the investment—$285 million—will be directed toward projects in the London, Ont., region. The funding will support the construction of seven new schools and the expansion of two existing facilities, collectively adding more than 5,300 student spaces and 362 child-care spaces.
Key projects include a $100-million Catholic secondary school in southwest London, a $33.9-million Catholic elementary school in the city’s southeast, and a $43.6-million replacement for Arthur Voaden Secondary School in nearby St. Thomas.
Additional investments will fund expansions in Komoka and West Nissouri, as well as a joint-use elementary school site shared by the Thames Valley District School Board and Conseil scolaire Viamonde.
The province says these developments build on existing projects already underway in the region, including the upcoming Kilworth Catholic Elementary School and two recently opened schools that added capacity for 1,600 students.
Infrastructure spending tied to long-term economic goals
The funding falls under Ontario’s Capital Priorities program, which supports new school builds, renovations and property acquisitions. It is also part of a broader $22-billion, 10-year commitment to education infrastructure.
The province has positioned the investment as both an educational and economic measure, linking modern school facilities to workforce readiness and regional development.
“As part of our government’s historic capital plan, we are investing $236 billion in critical infrastructure to build and protect Ontario. Through these investments, we are helping deliver new and improved schools in the London area and across the province to support students, local jobs and growing communities,” said Todd McCarthy.
Local leaders emphasize impact on growth and community needs
Regional officials say the funding will help address mounting pressures tied to population growth in southwestern Ontario.
“This is a significant investment in education across Elgin–Middlesex–London, with several new schools and expansions that will support the growth we’re seeing across our communities. Ontario needs more space for students to learn, greater access to childcare, and modern classrooms that support student success. These investments will make a real difference for children and families today, while helping to build a stronger future for our region,” said Rob Flack.
“Investing in new and expanded schools is an investment in the future of our growing communities. These projects will provide modern, high-quality learning spaces that support students and families for years to come. As our region continues to grow, it’s critical that our infrastructure keeps pace. These new and expanded schools will help create the space students need to learn, succeed and thrive in safe, supportive environments. I’m proud to see this progress and will continue working to ensure our communities have the resources they need,” added Steve Pinsonneault.
School boards welcome funding amid enrolment surge
Education leaders across multiple school boards say the funding will help accommodate record enrolment and improve access to modern facilities.
“We are absolutely thrilled with this support from the Ministry of Education. We are thankful that our collective efforts to focus on the needs of students are showing such extraordinary results, both in our classrooms and with this investment and recognition from the ministry. The LDCSB is the fastest growing school board in Ontario. We are breaking student enrolment records each year, and we continue to welcome new employees to our system each and every day,” said Vince Romeo.
Francophone education providers also highlighted the importance of targeted investments.
“The Conseil scolaire catholique Providence sincerely thanks the Ministry of Education for providing the funding necessary to carry out this project, which directly addresses the growing needs of the Francophone community in the London area. This new Catholic elementary school, which will also include a child care centre, will offer Francophone families a continuous educational pathway starting in early childhood, in a modern and safe environment that meets students’ needs. As we see a strong population growth in the area, this investment is essential to ensuring equitable access to a high-quality education in French as a first language. It will not only help support students’ success and well-being but also strengthen the vitality and roots of the Francophone community in the region,” said Carolyn Bastien.
Accountability measures tied to new legislation
The funding announcement coincides with the introduction of the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, which aims to strengthen oversight of school construction projects and ensure timely delivery.
Provincial officials say the legislation will give the Ministry of Education greater authority to intervene when projects face delays or mismanagement, a response to longstanding concerns about capital planning inefficiencies.
“This funding will help us address population shifts we’re seeing across Thames Valley District School Board. It will also help us provide the modern facilities that we need to deliver the best educational opportunities for students. We are grateful to the ministry for their support, as well as our municipal and French first-language board partners for collaborating on these projects,” said Bill Tucker.
“This announcement is about more than an investment in infrastructure. It affirms our commitment to provide Francophone families access to a quality education in their language and near where they live. The arrival of Conseil scolaire Viamonde in St. Thomas is excellent news for the community and shows the government’s confidence in our educational mission. We sincerely thank the Ministry of Education,” said Benoit Fortin.
With additional approvals expected in the 2026–27 funding cycle, the province signals continued emphasis on expanding capacity as demographic pressures reshape Ontario’s education landscape.