New schools set to open in Simcoe County
With a growing number of people moving into the region, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) has several new projects underway to help accommodate the demand.
This fall, two new elementary schools are set to open in Bradford. Harvest Hills is expected to be ready for the first day of school, and Marshview will follow closer to the end of the year.
“Marshview was on a tighter construction timeline than we had for Harvest Hills, so it’s just a matter of how the project progressed,” said Corey Van Nispen, SCDSB superintendent of business and facility services.
“Everybody is always excited when you’ve got a new school that’s being built and opening in their community.”
The need for new schools reflects growth in the Bradford community, which has exploded in population over the last decade.
“The growth has been overwhelming in that area as the town has seen for a number of years. So this is just a reflection of us catching up with that growth,” said Van Nispen.
The school board has also secured funding for new schools in Orillia, Oro-Medonte and Wasaga Beach, all in different stages of the planning process.
Meanwhile, this summer, the SCDSB has $25 million worth of renewal projects.
“Replacement of roofs, replacement of H-vac systems. Renovating and painting classrooms and workspaces. So it’s all those various components that make up a school. It’s the ongoing maintenance and replacement of them,” said Van Nispen.
In a statement to CTV News, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said, “Our government is building and approving new schools, renovations and major expansions at schools that directly benefit families in Simcoe county. That is why since 2018, we have approved Shanty Bay Public Elementary School, Bradford South Public Elementary School, Lake Simcoe Public Elementary School, Tecumseth Beeton Elementary School, Banting Memorial Public Secondary School, Killarney Beach Public Elementary School, and Orillia Public Elementary School."
"We are committed to helping students catch up, and that starts with being in class, on time, with the full school experience in modern schools. Our government is making record investments in public education with a focus on building new schools and improving existing schools, as well as provide tutoring supports and mental health supports.”
With Bradford’s Marshview school not expected to open until November, students slated to enroll there will begin the year at two nearby schools until the new one opens.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Winter weather forecast: A warm start thanks to El Nino, but then what?
Chilly nights and snow-covered slopes may not be easy to come by in much of Canada during the first part of the winter season, according to the winter outlook from one of Canada's prominent forecasters.
Andre Dawson wants the Expos baseball cap taken off his Hall of Fame plaque
Andre Dawson wants to be immortalized in the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Chicago Cub – not a Montreal Expo.
U.S. military Osprey aircraft with 6 aboard crashes off southern Japan, at least 1 dead
Japan's coast guard has found a person and debris in the ocean where a U.S. military Osprey aircraft carrying eight people crashed Wednesday off southern Japan, officials said.
Mediators look to extend truce in Gaza on its final day, with one more hostage swap planned
International mediators worked Wednesday to extend the truce in Gaza, hoping the territory's Hamas rulers will keep freeing hostages in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners and further respite from Israel's air and ground offensive. It will otherwise expire within a day.
OPINION Advice on dealing with 'quiet hiring' in the workplace
In a column for CTVNews.ca, personal finance writer Christopher Liew tackles 'quiet hiring' -- a term referring to companies that quietly hire from their own talent pool rather than look elsewhere -- and outlines some tips for employees on how to take advantage of the practice.
Chicago Blackhawks to terminate Corey Perry's contract after finding 'unacceptable' conduct
The Chicago Blackhawks said Corey Perry engaged in unacceptable conduct and took a step Tuesday toward terminating his contract, the latest twist involving the veteran winger who was mysteriously scratched and sent home last week without explanation.
These are the 5 headlines you should read this morning
Forty-one workers are rescued from a collapsed tunnel in India, a Liberal MP apologizes for linking the Conservative leader to shootings in Winnipeg and a town's residents will vote on Pride crosswalks. Here's what you need to know to start your day.
Future barbers? Montreal high school students learn how to cut hair
A small group of Montreal high school students are completing a 10-week program on cutting hair, learning everything from basic techniques to what it's like to run a barber shop.
Alberta town to put proposed bylaw banning symbols such as Pride crosswalks, flags to plebiscite
A group in Westlock, Alta., is trying to ban crosswalks painted in rainbow colours and other symbols.