The Ontario government has announced $9 million in funding to support the construction of a new elementary school in West Orillia.

Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop and Education Minister Stephen Lecce made the announcement on December 13.

Set to open in September 2024, the school will include 334 student spaces. The school will be operated by Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB).

“The new Orillia Elementary School is great news for our community,” said Dunlop. “This investment will provide choice and flexibility for families and new opportunities for the children of Orillia.”

The school will be the first elementary school built in Orillia since Lions Oval Public School opened in 2010.

“This announcement is great news for our board and the City of Orillia,” said John Dance, Director of Education SCDSB. “We continue to put forward strong business cases for new schools and expansions, and have been fortunate to receive funding for numerous capital priorities in recent years. We look forward to working with city staff and community partners on the development of the new school.”

The project is part of a province-wide investment of more than $600 million to support new school and child-care spaces that were recently announced by the Ministry of Education. The investment will support 78 school and child-care related projects.

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made safer schools a priority, which is why we continue to invest in modern and accessible learning spaces with improved ventilation,” said Minister Lecce. “This investment is part of our multiyear plan to build, expand, and update schools and child care spaces across our province. It will leave a lasting legacy that benefits working families for years to come.”

The investment is part of the Ontario government’s commitment to provide $14 billion to support school construction over ten years. There are currently more than 300 child care and education building-related projects in development across Ontario with more than 100 under construction.