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Ontario Building New School in Essa

October 3, 2025

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

October 3, 2025 – For Immediate Release

Angus, ON – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for success in our workforce, the Ontario government has provided the Simcoe County District School Board with approval to award the tender for the new Angus Elementary School to create more student spaces.

“The funding for a new Angus Elementary School in Essa is great news for our community,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “Through this investment, we’re creating opportunities for students to thrive today and well into the future.”

This project is supported by a total investment of $30.9 million, which includes additional funding of $2.8 million. When complete, the project will deliver 593 new elementary 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 this one in Essa, 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 announcement is welcome news for the SCDSB, and we are grateful to the Ministry of Education for their support with this project,” said Dawn Stephens, Director of Education for the Simcoe County District School Board. “The new elementary school in Angus will ensure that SCDSB students continue to have the opportunity to learn and grow in their community”.

Angus Elementary School will be located at Greenwood Drive & Decarolis Drive in Essa.

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.