Two eastern Ontario school boards are cleared to proceed with construction on new buildings.

In separate announcements on June 25, the Ministry of Education gave the approval for the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board in Kingston and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) to build new elementary schools.

The Kingston facility is known as the moment as the Kingston West Catholic Elementary School.

The $16.8-million building will be located at 386 Holden Street in Kingston will be a dual stream, English and French school once opened. The building will feature space for 481 students, 73 child-care spaces, four child-care rooms and three EarlyON Child and Family Centre rooms.

“We're exceptionally proud that our new Catholic school will be equipped for dual stream learning literally from the ground up," said director of education David DeSantis. “As part of our multi-year strategic plan, we've committed to elevating French Immersion opportunities for students across our board. We're delighted to receive this approval to tender, and grateful to all our local stakeholders for their advocacy and input on this exciting project.”

Meanwhile, the OCDSB has been given approval to build a $17.5-million school on Cope Drive in the city’s west end. The Fernbank Elementary School will provide space for 628 students, as well 39 licensed child-care spaces and two new child-care rooms

“I’m very pleased to be proceeding with construction of this school to serve the rapidly growing Fernbank communities,” said Lynn Scott, OCDSB Trustee. “It will relieve significant overcrowding at neighbouring schools, and give the children of this community a school they can truly call their own.”

In addition, to support parents with the cost of child care and help them re-enter the workforce, the province has announced it will provide a 20-percent increase to the Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses (CARE) tax credit for 2021. This will increase support from $1,250 to $1,500 per family, on average, providing about $75 million in additional support for the 2021 child care expenses of over 300,000 families.

“After a decade of school closures in rural and suburban communities, our government is building new schools benefiting Ottawa families and students for decades to come,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “With growth continuing in the community, we are excited to move the new Fernbank Elementary School forward part of our government’s $14 billion commitment to build new schools, improve existing facilities and expand child care.”

The province is also providing school boards with $1.4 billion in funding to renew and maintain existing schools. The money can be used to replace aging heating or air conditioning systems, repair roofs and windows, and install important accessibility features like elevators and ramps.

Featured image: Education Minister Stephen Lecce announces the province's decision to fund the Fernbank Elementary School in Ottawa alongside Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari. (MPP Goldie Ghamari)