The provincial government announced more than $62 million in funding for the construction of two new secondary schools in Etobicoke.

The news was delivered by Premier Doug Ford, Education Minister Stephen Lecce, and MPPs Kinga Surma and Christine Hogarth on October 30.

The new buildings will accommodate more than 2,000 students, offering modern classrooms and the latest technology. These projects are part of the government's commitment to invest $12 billion over 10 years to build more schools and upgrade existing facilities across the province.

"By making these investments in education, we are providing our kids with a solid foundation that will set them up for lifelong success," said Ford. "Our schools are at the heart of our communities. When we invest in our schools, we are investing in our future, and through the construction of projects like these, we will also be contributing to the long-term recovery of our province."

The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) will receive funding from the Capital Priorities Program to create two new secondary schools. This investment includes $36 million for Bishop Allen Academy to build a replacement facility that will support 1,300 students. Funding of $26.4 million will be made available to support the construction of an additional Catholic secondary school in central Etobicoke.

"TCDSB is pleased to see that the province is investing in better buildings for the students of Ontario, including this facility,” said Joseph Martino, TCDSB chair. “Bishop Allen has been at the top of the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s capital priorities list for many years. We are grateful that the government recognizes that continued investment in education is fundamental to the growth and development of our youth, and for the future success of our communities."

The investments are part of the government's total commitment of $550 million in 2020-21 to build 20 new schools and eight permanent school additions across the province. These investments will create a total of nearly 16,000 new student learning spaces and 870 new licensed child care spaces.

As part of the government's commitment to invest $12 billion in capital grants over 10 years, Ontario is investing over $500 million in 2019-20 and the $550 million for 2020-21 to build new schools and renovate existing ones. The province is also working with school board partners to identify other priority large-scale school-based capital projects.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in March, the government has approved over $1 billion in capital projects in education, including 50 new schools, 23 additions to existing facilities and 1,765 new licensed child care spaces.