Province Launches School Renovation Program Major Investment will Renew Ontario Schools and Strengthen Student Learning Ontario’s government is protecting what matters most by working with its school board partners to support the expansion of new school buildings and childcare spaces, as well as major renovations and additions to existing schools. In July, the Government of Ontario launched the 2019-20 Capital Priorities program, which provides school boards with the opportunity to access funding for large-scale projects in every region of the province. “We are investing in our students and their futures by building new schools and renovating existing schools because I believe better schools mean better learning environments for the next 8
Ontario School Plant Manager | Winter 2020
generation,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. School boards can now apply for funding for capital projects including new school buildings or renovations to be completed by 2023-24. The program will also provide funding for schoolbased childcare spaces as part of the government’s commitment to build up to 10,000 new childcare spaces in schools. “This government is taking decisive action to ensure students have safe and modern learning environments that enable their success in the classroom, in life, and in the labour market,” added Lecce. ¦
Funding of nearly $13 billion over the next 10 years will build new schools and help existing schools replace aging heating or air conditioning systems, repair roofs and windows, and install important accessibility features like elevators and ramps, and support the expansion of childcare spaces. The Ministry of Education invites school boards to submit their top 10 schoolbased capital priorities for funding consideration. These are the school boards’ highest priority capital projects required within the next three years. The Ministry of Education reviews all Capital Priorities submissions for eligibility and announces successful projects annually.
