Long-awaited funding announced for a new elementary school in Simcoe County
The Ontario government announced $23.8 million in funding to construct a new elementary school and community center in Oro-Medonte.
It's news the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the Township of Oro-Medonte have been waiting to hear.
"We're very thrilled," said SCDSB Chairperson Jodi Lloyd. "The project has been in the works for a number of years, so we're very anxious to get it moving forward and get shovels in the ground."
The new school will be built on a lot purchased by the town in 2013 at 739 Horseshoe Valley Road.
Artist rendering of a new elementary school in Oro-Medonte, Ont. (Supplied)
"We secured the land well before they put out tenders for schools, so we had the land secured. We have personally put $7 million into a community centre that will also act as a gymnasium for the school," said Mayor Randy Greenlaw.
Officials say the new school is necessary as the population grows in Horseshoe Valley, with at least 357 elementary spaces.
"It was really, really critical. It's been on the books for many years, and it's something I heard from the residents, and I've heard from young parents out there, and it's something that the township is partnering with us on," said Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downie.
The community centre is expected to be over 14,000 square feet and include a gym, multi-purpose room, change rooms and more.
Once the tender process and final approvals are complete, construction of the new school can begin.
There is no word yet on a completion date, but the town hopes to have students in the classroom by 2025.
The investment is part of the province's commitment to provide $15 billion to support school construction, repair, and renewal over 10 years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.