BlackburnNews.com stock photo. (Courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / cecilialim)BlackburnNews.com stock photo. (Courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / cecilialim)
Midwestern

Ontario government school renovation program underway

The Ontario government is launching a school renovation program.

The 2019-2020 Capital Priorities program is expected to provide school boards with the opportunity to access funding for large-scale projects in every region of the province.

School boards can now apply for funding for capital projects including new school buildings or renovations to be completed by 2023-2024.

The program will also provide funding for school-based childcare spaces as part of the government's commitment to build up to 10,000 new childcare spaces in schools.

Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said the government will support the expansion of new school buildings and childcare spaces, as well as major renovations and additions to existing schools.

"We are investing in our students and their futures by building new schools and renovating existing schools because I believe better schools mean better learning environments for the next generation," said Minister of Education Stephen Lecce. "This government is taking decisive action to ensure students have safe and modern learning environments that enable their success in the classroom, in life, and in the labour market."

Ontario's 2019 budget, Protecting What Matters Most, highlights the government's commitment to providing students with safe and healthy learning environments and providing families with more.

The government announced in Budget 2019 that over the next ten years, Ontario is investing nearly $13 billion in capital grants. This funding will build new schools and help existing schools replace aging heating or air conditioning systems, repair roofs and windows, and install important accessibility features like elevators and ramps, and support the expansion of childcare spaces.

The Ministry of Education invites school boards to submit their top 10 school-based capital priorities for funding consideration.

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