The Ontario government has approved funding to build a new public school in southwest London.
On Tuesday, Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek announced $20.7-million will be used to construct a school capable of supporting 804 student spaces, 88 new licenced childcare spaces and five new childcare rooms.
“The new Southwest London Elementary School is great news for our community,” said Yurek in a statement. “This investment will provide choice and flexibility for families and new opportunities for children in the London area.
This announcement is the latest for London that is part of a $600-million investment, aimed at creating 78 school and childcare-related projects across Ontario.
Earlier this month, The Ministry of Education announced $7.2-million in funding to expand Eagle Heights Public School in London, $2.7-million for a childcare centre in collaboration with the London Catholic District School Board, and an $18.9-million investment to construct a new French Catholic high school and daycare spot at an existing school in London.
Mark Fisher, the education director for the Thames Valley District School Board, called the funding “excellent news” for the school board as it has seen rapid growth over the last several years.
“We are very pleased the Ministry of Education has supported this important project that will help the board deal with growing enrolment pressures in our elementary schools in London,” said Fisher.
The board noted that the project could take up to four years to complete once the land is acquired. In the meantime, a new public school in southeast London is scheduled to open this fall.
