Investment part of Ontario government’s record funding to ensure student success
KINCARDINE — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for success in our workforce, the Ontario government has provided the Bluewater District School Board with approval to issue the tender for the new Kincardine 7-12 Public Secondary School to create more student spaces.
“The increase in funding for a new Kincardine grades 7-12 public school, which will include 126 additional student spaces, is great news for the Kincardine and district community,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron—Bruce. “Through this investment, we’re creating opportunities for students to thrive today and into the future.”
This project is supported by a total investment of $57.7 million, which includes additional funding of $31.3 million. When complete, the project will now deliver 1,007 new, grades 7 – 12 student spaces for local families.
“Our government is focused on supporting students, teachers and parents while ensuring school boards are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Once completed, this project will offer an inspiring learning environment that helps students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Our government will continue to provide the resources students need for ultimate achievement.”
Through local infrastructure projects like the one in Kincardine, the government is meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes. The investment is part of Ontario’s commitment to invest more than $22 billion over 10 years to support school construction, renewal and improvement.
“Building and renewing Ontario’s infrastructure is a key part of our government’s plan to protect the economy and keep workers on the job in the face of significant economic uncertainties,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “Through our $236 billion capital plan we are getting shovels in the ground faster to build new and improved schools, transit, hospitals and other critical infrastructure for communities across the province.”
“This is very exciting news and a significant leap forward in the progress of the new KDSS build project,” says Jan Johnstone, Trustee for the Municipality of Kincardine/Township of Huron-Kinloss and Bluewater District School Board Vice-Chair. “Thank you to MPP Thompson and the Ministry of Education for continuing to recognize the growing needs within the community, and for their ongoing support in moving this project forward. Between the ministry’s investment and groundswell of local support, the learning spaces, features, and facilities within the new KDSS will be nothing short of exceptional once completed.”
Ongoing updates on the progress of the build can be found on the New Build – KDSS designated web page.
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2018, Ontario has provided more than $7.6 billion for major capital projects, including 209 new schools and 161 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings, to create more than 150,000 new student spaces and more than 11,000 new licensed child care spaces in schools.
- For the 2025-26 school year, the province is providing $1.4 billion to school boards to renew and improve schools
- The Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026 brings greater accountability, consistency and modernization to Ontario’s education system through new and enhanced measures to further support student success.