The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is preparing to build a new elementary school and a new secondary school after receiving funding approval from the Ontario Ministry of Education. In fall 2024, the ministry issued a call for capital priorities to school boards across Ontario. On Jan. 27, the SCDSB was successful in receiving funding for two of its 11 submissions, with a total investment of more than $85 million.
The SCDSB has received funding and approval to move forward with the following capital projects:
- New southeast Barrie elementary school #2 (Hewitt's) – 616 pupil places, $27,100,000
- New Wasaga Beach secondary school – 1,145 pupil places, $59,300,000
“This funding is welcome news for the SCDSB, for students and families in Barrie and Wasaga Beach, and for the communities these schools serve,” stated Dana Powell, SCDSB Chairperson. “We are pleased to receive approval for two of our capital priorities, and to move forward to address significant accommodation needs within these communities.”
“SCDSB staff have worked extremely hard to put forward compelling business cases, resulting in these new schools for students and families in southeast Barrie and Wasaga Beach,” said Dawn Stephens, Director of Education. “We are prepared to work with the City of Barrie and Town of Wasaga Beach to get shovels in the ground on these exciting projects.”
Quick facts regarding the new southeast Barrie elementary school #2 (Hewitt’s)
- Funding will support the construction of a new 616 pupil place elementary school in the southeast region of Barrie, known as the Hewitt’s Creek secondary development plan.
- This new elementary school is needed to reduce pressure on the existing elementary schools in the area, including Hewitt’s Creek Public School.
- This new elementary school will add to the number of public elementary schools in the area and will not replace Hewitt’s Creek Public School.
- The property is located on the corner of Ball Gate and Thicketwood Avenue.
- Target opening date is 2028.
Quick facts regarding the new Wasaga Beach secondary school
- Funding will support construction of a new 1,145 pupil place secondary school.
- Accommodating 1,145 students at a secondary school provides opportunity to offer students a broad range of programs and athletics.
- The property is located at Sunnidale Road South and Sun Valley Avenue.
- The target opening date is 2029.
In addition to these recently announced projects, the SCDSB is at various stages of design and construction on over 10 other capital projects. Learn more on the SCDSB website.
SCDSB schools are inclusive and welcoming to all students. Our facilities are state-of-the-art, staff are dedicated and caring, we offer extensive programming options including unique outdoor learning opportunities, music classes, and sports, and we prioritize wellness and support the mental health of students and staff. Registration is always open. The SCDSB is the place to be!
This initiative links directly to the SCDSB Strategic Priorities in the areas of Well-being, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Community, and Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
Information:
Sarah Kekewich, Manager of Communications
[email protected]