Ontario Adding 516 Student Spaces in Tottenham with New School

Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School gives local students and teachers the modern learning space they need to succeed

NEWS: Aug 20, 2026 – For Immediate Release

TOTTENHAM, ON – The Ontario government is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by opening the new Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. The project is one of 35 new and expanded schools opening across Ontario this fall to give students the modern learning spaces they need to succeed in their studies and prepare for in-demand careers. The government is investing $30 billion over its 10-year plan to build, expand and renew schools across Ontario.

Today, Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, announced that the province provided Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board with $28.2 million to build the new school in Tottenham. This project delivers 516 elementary spaces and 49 licensed child care spaces for local families for the 2026-27 school year.

“This new Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School is a significant investment in students and families in Tottenham,” said MPP Saunderson “We’re making sure students have modern, high-quality learning environments, and I’m excited to see this new school welcome students later this fall.”

For the 2026-27 school year, Ontario is providing record education funding of $30.6 billion while making changes to strengthen student achievement and deliver more consistent learning experiences across the province. Students and teachers will return to updated curriculum, new classroom resources and stronger supports, including new tools to support financial literacy and math, direct funding for elementary homeroom teachers to purchase classroom supplies, and clearer expectations around attendance and assessment.

“As students head back to school, our focus is on giving every student the opportunity to succeed,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “That means giving teachers the tools and resources they need, investing in modern schools, and making sure every dollar we invest in education is driving stronger student achievement.”

“We are grateful for the capital investments the Ministry has made over the past several years so we can build new schools and expand our existing facilities to accommodate growth in our region,” said Kimberly Dixon, CEO of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. “Catholic education is thriving, and it is such a blessing to provide our students and staff with vibrant, modern facilities for learning and growth.”

“A great community starts with opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Mayor Richard Norcross. “Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School represents more than a new building, it is an investment in our children, our families, and the long-term success of New Tecumseth. On behalf of Council, I want to thank the Province of Ontario and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board for supporting our students and helping build a strong foundation for future generations.”

Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School is located at 71 Martin Trail in Tottenham.

QUICK FACTS

  • 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. It also provides the Ministry of Education 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.
  • The government is investing $1.3 billion annually to support new school buildings, school expansions and renovations across the province in each of the past three years, the highest level of school capital funding in Ontario’s history.
  • Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $7.6 billion for major capital projects, including 209 new schools, 161 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings and created more than 150,000 new student spaces and more than 11,000 new licensed child care spaces.