Investment part of Ontario government’s record funding to ensure student success
NEWS: June 18, 2026 – For Immediate Release
WASAGA BEACH, 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 award the tender for the new Wasaga Beach K-12 Catholic School to create more student spaces and child care spaces.
“Today’s approval to award the tender marks an important milestone for the new Wasaga Beach K-12 Catholic School,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “This project will create more than 1,000 new student spaces and new child care spaces for local families, helping ensure students have access to modern learning environments close to home. I look forward to seeing construction move forward and this important investment become a reality for the community.”
Wasaga Beach K-12 Catholic School is supported by a total investment of $70.1 million, which includes additional funding of $5.2 million. When complete, the project will deliver 1,008 new student spaces and 49 child care 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, these projects 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 Wasaga Beach, the government is meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes. The investment is part of Ontario’s commitment to invest more than $22 billion over 10 years to support school construction, renewal and improvement.
“Building and renewing Ontario’s infrastructure is a key part of our government’s plan to protect the economy and keep workers on the job in the face of significant economic uncertainties,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “Through our $236 billion capital plan we are getting shovels in the ground faster to build new and improved schools, transit, hospitals and other critical infrastructure for communities across the province.”
QUOTES
“Wasaga Beach continues to grow, and our school communities are growing with it. This new school represents a significant investment in the future of Wasaga Beach and the families we serve. We are grateful for the Province’s support as we move one step closer to creating a modern Catholic learning environment where students can grow in faith, achieve academic success, and feel a strong sense of belonging from their earliest years through graduation.”
Kimberly Dixon, Chief Executive Officer – SMCDSB
“Today construction begins on the Town’s first high school and community hub, which is another huge step forward for Wasaga Beach families. This project shows what is possible when municipal, provincial, education, and private-sector partners work together with a shared purpose. We are grateful to the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, Far Sight Homes, MPP Brian Saunderson and the Province of Ontario for supporting a smarter, partnership-driven approach that will bring education, childcare, recreation, culture, and community services together in one hub. As Wasaga Beach grows, this is how we build a complete community where residents can learn, connect, and thrive close to home.”
Brian Smith, Mayor, Town of Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach K-12 Catholic School will be located at 486 River Road West in Wasaga Beach.
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2018, Ontario has provided more than $7.6 billion for major capital projects, including 209 new schools and 161 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings, to create more than 150,000 new student spaces and more than 11,000 new licensed child care spaces in schools.
- For the 2025-26 school year, the province is providing $1.4 billion to school boards to renew and improve schools.
- 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.