The Ontario government has provided the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board with approval for the construction of a large addition at St. Anthony’s School in Kincardine.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the school on Monday.
Principal, Samantha Pitre, says this is coming at a good time, as more space is needed for their growing list of students.
“It’s a good problem to have, but we’re bursting at the seams. This [expansion] means more space! This means the ability to join together in community. It’s really tricky for our whole entire [school] to gather, we have 24 classes. For us to gather together is very hard right now.”
Staff and students watched the ground breaking ceremony in their classrooms via livestream.
“It’s actually unbelievable, I’m in disbelief, but truly excited. We’re getting eight new classrooms, and a daycare centre, in addition to enhancements within the building that are going to create innovative new classrooms,” added Pitre.
“The funding for an eight-classroom addition and a four-room child care addition at St. Anthony’s School is great news for our community,” said Lisa Thompson, the MPP for Huron-Bruce. “This investment will ensure families and students have access to a quality learning environment in the years to come.”
“Kincardine is the fastest growing community in the riding of Huron-Bruce. And because of that, we need to grow our investments and our infrastructure to accommodate all the people who want to call Kincardine and area home,” added Thompson.
Highlights of the project include: 190 elementary student spaces 78 childcare spaces in four childcare rooms An expanded gymnasium New bus circle Front offices and other interior upgrades
The construction is expected to take 18-24 months.