Province announces $78.1 million for new local school, additional upgrades

On Friday, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff was in Fonthill to announce $78.1 million in new investments from the province of Ontario to build a new school and made additions to three schools in Niagara. 

The new school will be built in Fort Erie while the expanded schools will be built in Pelham, Port Colborne, and Fort Erie. Once complete, the province anticipates that these four projects will lead to 897 new elementary school spaces, 506 new secondary school student spaces and 108 new licensed childcare spaces in the District School Board of Niagara.

“This critical investment of $78.1 million in new and expanded schools in Niagara – including a new elementary school in Fort Erie and additions to Glynn A. Green Public School, Oakwood Public School and Greater Fort Erie Secondary School – is welcome news for parents and families across the region,” said Oosterhoff. 

“This significant provincial investment will ensure the next generation of students in our region will have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead,” Oosterhoff added. 

The announcement itself was made outside of the Glynn A. Green Public School in Fonthill. Local politicians who joined Oosterhoff include Regional Councillor Wayne Olson, Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele, and Councillor Darren Flagg of Fort Erie.

Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop, who was not on hand for the announcement, offered his thoughts on what the new school and major addition will mean for the Town of Fort Erie. 

“The new elementary school and expansion a Greater Fort Erie Secondary School will accommodate the rapid growth within our community through modern learning spaces,” Redekop said. “We look forward to nurturing partnerships that will continue to improve the quality of life for the residents of Fort Erie.”

“Thank you to the Ministry of Education for these important investments in our children – the young minds of tomorrow and the future of our community,” Redekop added. 

The new school in Fort Erie will cost $26.4 million alone.

Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, who was on hand for the announcement, also offered his thoughts on the planned school expansion in his community. 

“The Town of Pelham is pleased to see this significant provincial investment in Glynn A. Green Public School,” said Junkin. “This expansion will support families in our fast-growing community and will ensure children in Pelham have the opportunity to attend a local school as they grow to become the leaders of tomorrow.” 

An official timeline as to when the new school and additions will be completed were not included in the province’s announcement.