Students will benefit from new, modern classrooms that prepare them for good-paying stable careers
NEWS: June 11, 2026 – For Immediate Release
NOTTAWA, ON: The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect Ontario and ensure students have access to modern classrooms by investing $1.6 billion in 79 school construction projects across Ontario. The investments will support growing communities by creating over 29,000 new student spaces and over 1,900 licensed child care spaces so students have the modern learning spaces they need to succeed in their studies and prepare for in-demand careers.
Locally, the province is investing $4.7 million for a new addition at Nottawa Elementary School located at 81 Batteaux Road in Clearview Township to create more student spaces in the growing community. This project will, when complete, deliver 144 new elementary student spaces for local families in the Simcoe County District School Board.
“As communities across Simcoe-Grey continue to grow, it is important that our schools have the capacity to meet that demand,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “This investment in Nottawa Elementary School will help create the classroom space needed for local students while supporting the long-term growth of Clearview Township.”
The Capital Priorities program supports the construction of new schools, permanent additions, renovations and school purchases. This year’s funding will support a combination of new school builds, expansions and retrofits across the province and is part of Ontario’s commitment to provide more than $22 billion over 10 years to support new school construction, renewal and improvements.
“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “We’re building the schools students need, and we’re making sure they get built quickly and on schedule. With stronger oversight and accountability through the Putting Student Achievement First Act, we are ensuring projects are delivered on time and focused on students, so that parents can be confident their children have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”
“As part of our government’s historic capital plan, we are investing $236 billion in critical infrastructure to build and protect Ontario,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “Through these investments, we are helping deliver new and improved schools across the province to support students, local jobs and growing communities.”
QUOTES
“As the rural community surrounding Nottawa Elementary continues to grow, the school is experiencing increasing accommodation pressures.This investment will add 144 pupil spaces. We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for this funding, which supports the areas growth and ensures families in the Nottawa catchment area have a strong, local school where children can learn, grow, and thrive.”
~ Dawn Stephens, Chief Executive Officer, Simcoe County District School Board
“Thank you to the Provincial Government for investing in our community. As Clearview Township continues to grow, expanded local educational facilities will be needed to serve the many young people that will grow up here”.
~ Doug Measures, Mayor, Clearview Township
“Congratulations to Nottawa and Nottawa Central Public School. Three generations of my family have attended school in Nottawa, including myself and currently my grand daughter as well as three great nieces. Thank you to the Province of Ontario for your investment in the future generations here in Clearview Township. Go Nighthawks”!
~ Phyllis Dineen, Clearview Township Councillor Ward 1
QUICK FACTS
- In addition to the 67 projects approved for $1.3 billion in provincial support in 2025-26, there is also an additional close to $300 million in funding provided through the 2026-27 program to approve 12 priority projects that are ready to proceed.
- For the 2025-26 school year, the Ministry of Education continues to provide $1.4 billion to school boards to renew and improve schools.
- In April 2026, Ontario introduced the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, that would, if passed, bring greater accountability, consistency and modernization to Ontario’s education system through new and enhanced measures to further support student success. The legislation also provides the ministry with stronger tools to intervene in the capital planning process when boards are unable to deliver projects in the best interests of students and educators.