Ontario Investing $20.2 Million to Build New School in Tottenham

December 18, 2025

Local students will benefit from new, modern classrooms that prepare them for the jobs of the future

December 18, 2025 – For Immediate Release

TOTTENHAM, ON — This morning, Brian Saunderson, Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe-Grey, was proud to announce that the Ontario government is investing $20.2 million to build a new elementary school to support families in the Tottenham area. This is part of the government’s investment in 12 new or expanded schools across the province in fast-growing communities. The government is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by investing $23 billion over the next 10 years to build, renew and improve schools so students and teachers have safe, modern learning environments they need to succeed.

“By building and expanding schools across the province, we’re making sure students can learn in modern, high-quality environments that support strong achievement,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “These investments will help students gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed and prepare for rewarding careers.”

The province is investing:

• $20.2 million for a new Tottenham Elementary School to be located at 80 McGahey Street in Tottenham. This Simcoe County District School Board project will create 426 elementary spaces.

“The funding for a new Tottenham Elementary School is welcome news for our local community,” said MPP Saunderson. “Through this investment, we’re creating opportunities for students to thrive today and well into the future.”

“We are grateful for this investment by the Ministry of Education for a new elementary school in Tottenham,” said Dawn Stephens, Director of Education. “This is exciting news for students and families in New Tecumseth and will certainly ensure that Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) students continue to have the opportunity to learn and grow in their community. SCDSB staff put forward a strong business case which included a shovel-ready site, putting us in a position to begin construction on this project in 2026.”

Ontario continues to make historic investments to build and expand schools. Over the past two years, the government has committed $1.3 billion annually in new school buildings, additions and renovations across the province, the highest level of school capital funding in Ontario’s history.

QUICK FACTS

• The Capital Priorities Program supports the construction of new schools, permanent additions, renovations and school purchases.
• The investment is part of Ontario’s commitment to provide about $23 billion to support new school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years.
• For the 2025-26 school year, the Ministry of Education continues to provide $1.4 billion to school boards to renew and improve schools.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Building, expanding and renewing schools

Forty-one project openings announced in August 2025