Ontario announces $1.6B in funding for school projects

The Ontario government has announced a $1.6-billion investment to fund 79 school construction projects across the province, targeting the creation of more than 29,000 new student spaces and 1,900 licensed child care spaces.

The funding is part of a broader provincial commitment to provide more than $22 billion over the next 10 years for school infrastructure, including new builds, permanent additions, and retrofits. Under the 2025-26 Capital Priorities program, $1.3 billion will support 67 projects, while an additional $300 million has been allocated to 12 priority projects ready for immediate procurement or construction.

The London area is set to receive $285 million of the total provincial allocation. This regional investment covers the construction of seven new schools and the expansion of two existing facilities, adding 5,300 student spaces and 362 child care spaces.

Key regional projects include:

• Southwest London Catholic Secondary School: $100 million for a new build accommodating 1,999 students.
• Arthur Voaden Secondary School (St. Thomas): $43.6 million for a replacement facility for 703 students and 88 child care spaces.
• Southeast London Catholic Elementary School: $33.9 million for a new facility with 655 student spaces.
• Talbotville & St. Thomas Joint-Use Site: A collaborative project featuring the new Talbotville Elementary ($22.2 million) and École élémentaire publique St. Thomas ($15.6 million).
• Additions: Parkview Public School in Komoka will receive a $19.1-million addition for 225 spaces, while West Nissouri Public School is slated for a $6.8-million expansion.

Construction Oversight and Timelines

The announcement follows the introduction of the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026. The legislation grants the Ministry of Education enhanced powers to intervene in capital planning if school boards fail to meet project timelines. The measures are intended to ensure large-scale builds are delivered on schedule to keep pace with rapid population growth in South-Western Ontario.

Ongoing infrastructure work in the region includes the Kilworth Catholic Elementary School site, which will accommodate 424 students upon completion.

“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, Acting Minister of Infrastructure.

The Ministry of Education is also providing an additional $1.4 billion directly to school boards for the 2025-26 period to fund ongoing facility renewals and improvements.