Be sure to visit the Newsletter section of MPP Brian Saunderson's website - Click here to read them!

Ontario Building New Addition to School in Tottenham

July 28, 2025

Investment part of Ontario government’s record funding to ensure student success

July 28, 2025 – For Immediate Release

TOTTENHAM, ON – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for success in our workforce, the Ontario government has provided the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board with approval to issue the tender for the new addition at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School to create more student spaces.

“The funding for a new addition at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in Tottenham is great news for our community,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe–Grey. “Through this investment, we are creating opportunities for students to thrive today and well into the future.”

This project is supported by a total investment of $18.9 million, which includes additional funding of $10.3 million. When complete, the project will deliver 276 new secondary student spaces for local families.

“Our government is focused on supporting students, teachers and parents while ensuring school boards are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Once completed, this project will offer an inspiring learning environment that helps students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Our government will continue to provide the resources students need for ultimate achievement.”

Through local infrastructure projects like the one in Tottenham, the government is meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes. The investment is part of Ontario’s commitment to invest about $23 billion to support school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years.

“With nearly $200 billion invested into building, our government’s historic infrastructure plan is getting shovels in the ground to build better schools, transit and communities that Ontarians deserve today and for future generations,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure.

“This exciting investment in St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School reflects our commitment to supporting student achievement and meeting the needs of a growing community,” said Maria Hardie, Board Chair for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. “We are grateful for the continued support from the province, and we look forward to the positive impact this addition will have on local students and families for years to come.”

“This investment is a significant step forward for Tottenham and the broader New Tecumseth community. By creating more student spaces, we’re supporting our growing population and laying the foundation for a brighter future for our youth,” said Town of New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School is located at 2 Nolan Road in Tottenham.

Quick Facts

  • In May 2025, Ontario introduced the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, to strengthen the government’s oversight of school board finances, governance and program performance, to ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students for success.
  • Since 2018, Ontario has provided nearly $5 billion for major capital projects, including 169 new schools, 124 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings and over 9,600 new licensed child care spaces in schools.
  • For the 2025-26 school year, the province is providing $1.4 billion to school boards for school renewal projects.
  • The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 includes measures to help maximize capital assets of boards to support building modern schools faster, and better use current school space.