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Ontario Building New School in Wasaga Beach

January 30, 2026

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

NEWS – January 30, 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 issue the tender for the new Wasaga K-12 Catholic School to create more student spaces and child care spaces.

“The approval to issue the tender for the new Wasaga K-12 Catholic School marks another important milestone for families in Wasaga Beach,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “This project will deliver modern learning spaces, additional child care capacity, and room for a growing community. It reflects our government’s commitment to moving projects forward and ensuring students have the facilities they need to learn, grow, and succeed.”

This project is supported by a total investment of $64.9 million, which includes additional provincial funding approval of $4.5 million and acknowledgement of $2.7 million from the Town of Wasaga Beach for theatre upgrades. When complete, the project will deliver 1,008 new K-12 student spaces and 49 new licensed 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, 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 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 about $23 billion to support school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years.

“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 more than $220 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.”

Wasaga K-12 Catholic School will be located at 486 River Road West in Wasaga Beach.

QUOTES

“It is exciting to witness what can be accomplished through partnership and  innovation – this Kindergarten to Grade 12 Catholic school will serve to bring the Wasaga Beach community together through shared opportunities. This project will include a community theatre, shared library space and joint use athletic field, which will benefit our students and the Town’s residents. We are thankful for the Ministry of Education’s continued support of this important and unprecedented project for our board.”

– Kimberly Dixon, Director of Education, SMCDSB

“The approval to issue the tender is another important step toward opening Wasaga Beach’s first high school — a long-awaited milestone for local education and a clear commitment to helping students learn, grow, and succeed right here at home. The Town, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, and Province have worked hand-in-hand to move this project forward with a shared vision. Together, we are building more than just a school — we are creating a true community hub with modern learning and recreation spaces, licensed childcare, post-secondary opportunities, and a 300-seat theatre that will benefit students, families, and all residents across Wasaga Beach.”

– Brian Smith, Mayor, Town of Wasaga Beach

QUICK FACTS

  • Ontario passed 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 more than $6 billion for major capital projects, including 173 new schools, 122 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.