Two Welland schools are set to welcome students into newly expanded learning spaces this fall as the Ontario government invests $31.2 million in additions at Fitch Street Public School and Quaker Road Public School.
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, called the expansions an important step for local families. “The completion of the new additions at Fitch Street Public School and Quaker Road Public School in Welland is very welcome news for our community,” said Oosterhoff in a press release issued Tuesday. “These expansions will ensure families and students have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead.”
The new construction will deliver 536 elementary spaces and 98 licensed child care spaces for the 2025-26 school year. Sue Barnett, Chair of the District School Board of Niagara, said the investment comes at the right time for the city. “Welland is a flourishing city and proud home to thousands of outstanding students who learn and grow together in our amazing schools,” Barnett said in the release. “We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for investing in these essential additions as it will allow us to ensure that we are meeting the needs of families who are here now, and families we know will be joining both schools in the future.”
Welland Mayor Frank Campion also welcomed the announcement, saying, “I applaud the province for these significant investments for the expansion of Fitch Street Public School and Quaker Road Public School. These expansions will provide the facilities students require and deserve and create a healthy learning environment.”
Ontario officials said the expansions are part of a broader commitment to modernizing schools. “Our goal is clear – to provide students with the opportunity to succeed and grow, and ensure teachers have the resources and environment they need to inspire learning and help students thrive,” said Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, in the press release. “We will continue to invest in safe, modern schools while strengthening accountability and transparency across Ontario’s education system to ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers.”
Education funding for this school year is a record $30.3 billion, with the government emphasizing accountability and a focus on student success. Hon. Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, said the Welland projects reflect Ontario’s larger capital plan. “Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we are building modern schools to support the needs of Ontario’s students, families and growing communities,” said Surma in the release. “By investing in new and innovative learning spaces, we are ensuring students have access to the best education that will equip them with lifelong skills and education. These investments are part of our more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario by getting shovels in the ground faster on the projects that matter most to Ontario families.”
The Fitch Street Public School expansion, located at 164 Fitch Street, represents a $15.4 million investment, adding 205 new student spaces and 49 licensed child care spaces. Quaker Road Public School, at 333 Quaker Road, is receiving $15.8 million to create 331 new student spaces and 49 licensed child care spaces.
Over the past two years, the province has committed $1.3 billion annually to school construction, expansions and renovations across Ontario—the highest level of capital funding in the province’s history. Since 2018, Ontario has supported about 300 school-related projects, including child care, with more than 100 now under construction.
