A new Catholic elementary school will be built in East Gwillimbury to serve rapidly growing Queensville.
The province is providing $11.4 million to the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) for the new school that will have 409 student spaces and 49 licensed childcare spaces in three childcare rooms.
“The new Queensville Catholic Elementary School is great news for our community,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe, in a news release. “This investment will provide choice and flexibility for families and new opportunities for the children of East Gwillimbury.”
East Gwillimbury is currently home to two YCDSB elementary schools: Our Lady of Good Counsel CES in Sharon and Good Shepherd CES in Holland Landing.
“This is an exciting day for the York Catholic District School Board,” said Elizabeth Crowe, chair of the board of trustees. “This investment will enable us to take an important step forward in making our dream for publicly funded Catholic education in Queensville a reality.”
A timeline for construction has yet to be established, as the project is in the land acquisition phase. However, a YCDSB spokesperson said the school will be located in a new subdivision being built on the west side of Leslie Street, south of Queensville Sideroad.
Queensville has experienced rapid growth, with the construction of a number of new homes. Developments by Aspenridge, Countrywide and Lakeview Homes will accommodate more than 30,000 residents. The town plans to build a multi-functional health and active living plaza that would feature a pool, fitness amenities and library.
This newest school project is part of a provincewide investment of $600 million for 78 school and childcare spaces announced by Education Minister Stephen Lecce. In total, 19,700 new student and 1,500 childcare spaces will be created across Ontario.
“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made safer schools a priority, which is why we continue to invest in modern and accessible learning spaces with improved ventilation,” Lecce said in a news release. “This investment is part of our multiyear plan to build, expand, and update schools and childcare spaces across our province. It will leave a legacy that benefits working families for years to come.”
