Students will benefit from new, modern classrooms that prepare them for good-paying stable careers
The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect Ontario and ensure students have access to modern classrooms by investing $1.6 billion in 79 school construction projects across Ontario. The investments will support growing communities by creating over 29,000 new student spaces and over 1,900 licensed child care spaces so students have the modern learning spaces they need to succeed in their studies and prepare for in-demand careers.
Locally, the province is investing $10.5 million for a new addition at Merwin Greer Public School to create more student spaces and child care spaces in a growing community.
This project will, when complete, deliver 129 new elementary student spaces and 73 new licensed child care spaces for local families in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
“This is an incredible investment in our community and in the future of students and families,” said David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament, Northumberland-Peterborough South.
“This $10.5 million investment in Merwin Greer Public School will create more classroom space, expand child care options, and help ensure local students have access to the modern learning environments they need to succeed. I am proud to see our government continuing to invest in the infrastructure that supports students, families, and our community’s future.”
The Capital Priorities program supports the construction of new schools, permanent additions, renovations and school purchases.
This year’s funding will support a combination of new school builds, expansions and retrofits across the province and is part of Ontario’s commitment to provide more than $22 billion over 10 years to support new school construction, renewal and improvements.
“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.
“We’re building the schools students need, and we’re making sure they get built quickly and on schedule. With stronger oversight and accountability through the Putting Student Achievement First Act, we are ensuring projects are delivered on time and focused on students, so that parents can be confident their children have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”
“As part of our government’s historic capital plan, we are investing $236 billion in critical infrastructure to build and protect Ontario,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure.
“Through these investments, we are helping deliver new and improved schools across the province to support students, local jobs and growing communities.”
“We are very excited for the opportunity to enhance Merwin Greer Public School with an addition that will greatly benefit students, staff, families and future generations. Schools are the very heart of the communities they serve, supporting students throughout their educational journeys from preschool to graduation. We extend our sincere thanks to the provincial government for this capital investment that makes it possible to better support our students here at Merwin Greer Public School and continue to make KPR schools destinations of choice for families and communities.”
– Paul Brown, Chairperson of the Board, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
Quick Facts
· In addition to the 67 projects approved for $1.3 billion in provincial support in 2025-26, there is also an additional close to $300 million in funding provided through the 2026-27 program to approve 12 priority projects that are ready to proceed.
· For the 2025-26 school year, the Ministry of Education continues to provide $1.4 billion to school boards to renew and improve schools.
· In April 2026, Ontario introduced the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, that would, if passed, bring greater accountability, consistency and modernization to Ontario’s education system through new and enhanced measures to further support student success. The legislation also provides the ministry with stronger tools to intervene in the capital planning process when boards are unable to deliver projects in the best interests of students and educators.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
