Students will benefit from new, modern classrooms that prepare them for good-paying stable careers
NEWS: June 17, 2026 – For Immediate Release
BAXTER, 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 $6 million for a new addition at Baxter Central Public School located at 62 Denney Drive in Baxter to create more student spaces in Essa Township. This project will, when complete, deliver 141 new elementary student spaces for local families in the Simcoe County District School Board.
“Investments in schools are investments in our communities,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “The addition at Baxter Central Public School will help meet the needs of a growing student population while ensuring local families continue to have access to quality learning spaces close to home. This project reflects the continued growth and strength of Essa 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.”
“We appreciate this investment by the Ministry of Education in support of an addition at Baxter Central Public School, said Dawn Stephens, Chief Executive Officer for the Simcoe County District School Board. “Over the past five years there has been a significant increase in elementary enrolment in SCDSB schools in the Angus area. This growth has placed increasing pressure on our schools, specifically Baxter Central Public School. The addition of 92 pupil places and retrofit library adding 49 pupil places, will ensure that students have a modern leaning environment close to home.”
QUOTES
“Thank you to our MPP Brian Saunderson and the Ontario Provincial Government for this 6 million dollar investment for the much-needed expansion of Baxter Central Public School. With increased population, the expansion will help with the overcrowding in classrooms, improve learning environments, support vital programs, and give our students the safe modern facility they deserve to experience their education journey.”
~ Essa Township Mayor Sandie Macdonald & Council
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.