A new elementary school will be built in Meaford, with the opening expected for 2029.
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers announced on Wednesday morning that the provincial government is putting forth $19.9 million to construct the new school that will house elementary aged students in the Bluewater District School Board region.
Vickers said in a media release that the funding is coming from the Capital Priorities stream of the provincial government. The new school in Meaford will bring 340 student spaces and 54 new childcare spaces.
In the release, Vickers shared that capacity issues at the current Georgian Bay Community School prompted the need for a new school in the area.
The release from Vickers' office states that the new school is slated for a 2029 opening but there is no timeline given on when shovels will be in the ground.
"This is a great day for the community of Meaford," noted Vickers. "I have heard from many parents in the Meaford area about the capacity issues at the current Georgian Bay Community School (GBCS), so today's announcement shows that our government sees this challenge and is responding accordingly."
"We are very pleased to receive such positive news that our business case for a new elementary school with childcare space in Meaford has been approved by the Ministry of Education," said Bluewater District School Board Chair Jane Thomson. "Since the opening of the new GBCS almost five years ago, student enrolment pressure has continued to increase due to growth in the Meaford area. We are grateful to the ministry for this significant investment to secure a long-term sustainable solution for future generations of students, and to our staff and community partners whose diligence, hard work, and advocacy have supported the vision."
