Students Will Benefit from New, Modern Classrooms that Prepare Them for Good-Paying Stable Careers
“We are building the schools students need, and we are making sure they get built quickly and on schedule.” – Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Education
NEWS from the Government of Ontario
Posted July 14th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Education
THOROLD – 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 seventy-nine 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.
In Niagara, the province is investing $28.1 million to build a new school in Thorold and $4.5 million to expand Saint Michael Catholic High School in Niagara Falls, creating more student spaces and child care spaces in growing communities.
These projects will, when complete, deliver 565 new elementary student spaces, 184 new secondary student spaces and forty-nine new licensed child care spaces for local families in the Niagara Catholic District School Board.
Saint Michael Catholic High School in the south-west end of Niagara Falls
“This critical investment of $32.6 million in new and expanded schools in Niagara – including a new Catholic elementary school in Thorold and addition to Saint Michael Catholic High School in Niagara Falls – is welcome news for parents and families across our region,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
“This significant provincial investment will ensure the next generation of students in our region will have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead.”
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 ten years to support new school construction, renewal and improvements.
“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.
“We are building the schools students need, and we are 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 Hon. 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.”
“This is truly a good news announcement for our board,” said Giancarlo Vetrone, Chief Executive Officer of the Niagara Catholic District School Board.
“We are grateful that the Ministry of Education recognized our funding requests through the province’s 2025-26 Capital Priorities Program and look forward to celebrating the groundbreakings for the new Catholic elementary school in Thorold and addition to Saint Michael Catholic High School in the future.”
New Thorold Catholic Elementary School
- $28.1 million.
- 565 new elementary student spaces.
- Forty-nine new licensed child care spaces.
- To be located at a site to be acquired in Thorold.
Saint Michael Catholic High School Addition
- $4.5 million.
- 184 new secondary student spaces.
- Located at 8699 McLeod Road in Niagara Falls.
Quick Facts:
- In addition to the sixty-seven 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 twelve 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. Passed on May 7, the legislation brings 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 of Education 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.
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