Expansions are coming to two Guelph elementary schools.
On Friday, provincial officials announced $5.4 million in funding will be provided for a child care centre addition at St. Patrick Catholic School and new classroom space at Saint-René-Goupil in Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir.
“This investment is part of our multi-year plan to build, expand, and update schools and child care spaces across our province,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, in a news release. “It will leave a lasting legacy that benefits working families for years to come.”
The announcement is part of a province-wide $565 million commitment toward creating 19,700 new student spaces and 1,500 child care spaces.
Of the local funding, expansion of Saint-René-Goupil on Scottsdale Drive will receive $3.3 million. That project is expected to result in 138 new elementary student spaces.
"The announcement of this funding for an additional 138 student spaces is great news for francophone families in the Guelph area,” commented Geneviève Grenier, board chair for Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir, in the release. “ We are pleased that the Ontario government has recognized the growing needs of the francophone population and we look forward to beginning the construction project."
Wellington District Catholic School Board (WCDSB) is to receive $2.1 million for construction of a child care centre at St. Patrick’s school on Victoria Road. The centre, which is expected to offer 64 childcare spaces, is to include an infant room and a preschool room, as well as two toddler rooms.
“The addition of a brand new child care centre at St. Patrick Catholic School will be a welcome opportunity for the young families of our community,” stated Vikki Dupuis, WCDSB chair, in the release. “We are very grateful for the partnership from the County of Wellington and the funding provided by the provincial government to allow for this new build.”