Ontario is preparing to open 35 new and expanded schools for the upcoming academic year, adding thousands of student spaces and more than 1,000 licensed child care spaces as the province responds to enrolment growth in communities across Ontario.
The provincial government said the projects represent an investment of more than $1 billion and will provide approximately 18,300 new student spaces and 1,130 licensed child care spaces this fall. The openings form part of Ontario’s broader $30-billion, 10-year plan to build, expand and renew schools.
Ontario Adds 18,300 Student Spaces Across Growing Communities
The new and expanded facilities are intended to increase education capacity in areas experiencing population and enrolment growth while providing students and educators with modern learning environments.
“As students head back to school, our focus is on giving every student the opportunity to succeed,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “That means giving teachers the tools and resources they need, investing in modern schools, and making sure every dollar we invest in education is driving stronger student achievement.”
Ontario has allocated $1.3 billion annually during each of the past three years toward new school construction, expansions and renovations. The province says this represents the highest level of annual school capital funding in Ontario’s history.
Since 2018, more than $7.6 billion has been invested in major capital projects, including 209 new schools and 161 permanent additions or renovations. Those investments have created more than 150,000 student spaces and over 11,000 licensed child care spaces, according to the province.
New Bradford and Simcoe County Schools Address Enrolment Growth
Bradford is among the communities receiving new education infrastructure this fall. The newly constructed St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Elementary School will accommodate more than 500 students and include 49 licensed child care spaces.
The province invested $27.9 million in the project, which is designed to address growing enrolment within Simcoe County.
“The next few weeks will be a hub of activity as we prepare to open our doors for the first day of school. We are all thrilled to help build this new community from the ground up. The hundreds of students and staff joining us this year will always hold a special place in the history of this school, and we are excited about the many years of memories and achievements that will take place here.”
– Deanna Boniello
Principal, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School
Additional School Capacity Coming to Simcoe County
The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board will also open the new Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School in Tottenham this fall. The $28.2-million project will provide space for more than 500 students along with 49 licensed child care spaces.
Meanwhile, Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Bradford West Gwillimbury is opening a $10.9-million addition that will accommodate another 276 students.
Five additional projects have recently received provincial funding approval at locations within the English-language school board in Simcoe County and are expected to open over the next several years.
“We are grateful for the capital investments the ministry has made over the past several years so we can build new schools and expand our existing facilities to accommodate growth in our region. Catholic education is thriving, and it is such a blessing to provide our students and staff with vibrant, modern facilities for learning and growth.”
– Kimberly Dixon
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Education Officer, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
Ontario Education Funding Reaches $30.6 Billion for 2026-27
Beyond school construction, Ontario is providing $30.6 billion in education funding for the 2026-27 school year.
Students and teachers returning to classrooms will encounter updated curriculum and additional classroom resources. Provincial measures include new tools supporting mathematics and financial literacy, direct funding for elementary homeroom teachers to purchase classroom supplies, and updated expectations surrounding attendance and student assessment.
The government says its education strategy is focused on improving consistency in learning and preparing students with practical skills for future employment.
Province Strengthens Oversight of School Capital Projects
The Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026 also introduces measures intended to increase accountability and modernization within Ontario’s education system.
Among its provisions are stronger Ministry of Education powers to intervene in school capital planning when boards are unable to deliver projects considered to be in the best interests of students and educators.
With 35 new and expanded schools opening this fall and further projects in development, Ontario is continuing a significant expansion of education infrastructure as communities contend with population growth and increasing demand for both classroom and child care capacity.