Fort Erie is getting a new elementary school and a major expansion at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) after Ontario committed $46.3 million Thursday to add 1,019 student seats to a town where new housing has outpaced classroom supply.
The new south-central Fort Erie elementary school will cost $26.4 million and seat 513 students, with 49 licensed childcare spots. A new wing at GFESS will cost $19.9-million seat 506 more students.
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff announced four projects totalling $78.1 million across the District School Board of Niagara at Glynn A. Green Public School in Fonthill on May 15.
MPP Sam Oosterhoff announces provincial funding for school construction and expansion projects in Niagara. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio
Fort Erie Councillor Darren Flagg represented the town at Thursday’s announcement and said the investments reflect population pressure on local classrooms.
“Strong students bring strong communities,” said Flagg. “These students will be prepared for the future, attract new residents, and contribute to the quality of life in our community.”
Flagg said both projects are infrastructure the town has needed for years.
Politicians, teachers, school board staff and students stand outside Glynn A. Green Public School following Thursday’s school funding announcement. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio
The new south-central Fort Erie elementary school site has not yet been acquired. No completion date was set for either Fort Erie project.
Kate Baggott, chair of the District School Board of Niagara, said the board has been pressing for more capacity as communities across the region continue to grow.
“These investments ensure our schools can grow alongside them by creating high-quality learning spaces and broadening access to childcare,” said Baggott.
Oosterhoff said the Niagara package reflects a provincial effort to direct infrastructure spending to faster-growing municipalities outside the Greater Toronto Area.
“We have to remember that the world doesn’t end at the Burlington Skyway, the world doesn’t revolve around Toronto,” said Oosterhoff.
Greater Fort Erie Secondary School students stand with Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff during Thursday’s provincial school funding announcement. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio
The remaining $31.8 million covers a $17.2-million addition at Oakwood Public School in Port Colborne, adding 199 elementary seats and 49 childcare spots, and a $14.6-million expansion at Glynn A. Green Public School in Fonthill, adding 185 elementary seats and 10 childcare spots.
Across all four projects, the province expects to deliver 897 new elementary seats, 506 secondary seats and 108 licensed childcare spots in the District School Board of Niagara.
By: Andrew Hawlitzky
Original Article