Province Addressing Growth with New Schools and Child Care Spaces

TORONTO — The Ontario government is committing $1.3 billion to construct 30 new schools and expand 15 existing ones, adding over 25,000 student spaces and 1,600 licensed child care spots across the province. This investment focuses on rapidly growing areas, ensuring students have access to modern, high-quality learning environments that support their future success.

“This marks the second year in a row that our government has made record-breaking investments in new school construction and expansions under the Build Ontario plan,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. “We are prioritizing efficiency and speed to ensure more students can learn in state-of-the-art facilities that prepare them for the jobs of the future.”

The province is collaborating with school boards to ensure that these infrastructure projects reflect the needs of local communities while maximizing value for taxpayers. Increased Capital Priorities funding will help address rising enrolment, changing demographics, and ongoing housing development, ensuring Ontario’s education system keeps pace with growth.

The 45 approved projects were selected based on 2024-25 Capital Priorities program submissions, prioritizing areas where school space is most urgently needed. These investments also enhance access to French-language education and support communities with limited school options.

By fast-tracking shovel-ready projects, Ontario aims to meet student space demands more quickly while managing rising construction costs. The government is also streamlining approval and reporting processes to help school boards deliver projects efficiently and within budget.

Quick Facts

  • The Capital Priorities program funds the construction of new schools, additions, renovations, and school purchases.
  • For the 2024-25 school year, Ontario has allocated $1.4 billion to school boards for school renewal and improvements.
  • This investment is part of Ontario’s $16 billion, 10-year plan to build and improve schools.
  • In 2023, the Ministry of Education encouraged school boards to adopt standardized school designs, collaborate on joint-use schools, and prioritize shovel-ready projects to accelerate school construction.

Quotes

Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance
“Our government understands that families across Ontario need new schools built quickly so students can learn close to home. This historic investment is part of our Plan to Build, the most ambitious infrastructure initiative in Ontario’s history. We are delivering the highways, transit, hospitals, high-speed internet, housing, and schools our growing province requires.”

Laura Elliott, Executive Director, Council of Ontario Directors of Education
“The government’s $1.3 billion investment in 30 new schools and 15 expansions is fantastic news for students, staff, and families. We look forward to working with the ministry to deliver these projects efficiently and within budget. These new learning spaces will enhance student achievement and prepare them for future careers.”

Kathleen Woodcock, President, Ontario Public School Boards’ Association
“We welcome this commitment to building new schools across Ontario. This funding will ensure many families have access to modern learning environments that help students succeed.”

Michael Bellmore, President, Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association
“We appreciate the government’s $1.3 billion investment to build and expand schools, ensuring students have safe and healthy learning spaces. We are especially pleased that the government has responded to our calls for a more streamlined capital funding process to control costs and accelerate construction timelines.”

Robert Demers, Chair, Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques
“These investments in French-language Catholic school boards will allow us to improve and expand services for students and families in our communities.”

Denis Labelle, Chair, Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario
“As representatives of French-language public school boards—the fastest-growing education sector in Ontario with leading EQAO results—ACÉPO is pleased to see the government investing in critical school infrastructure. We look forward to working together to ensure these investments support equitable access to high-quality French-language education and meet the evolving needs of our communities.”