The Ontario Government has approved an extra $6.9 million in funding to expand plans for a new school in Markdale. The province will provide $15.5 million in funding to the Bluewater District School Board, and the project can now proceed to tender.
Once completed, the re-scoped project will deliver 328 student spaces and 39 childcare spaces for local families. The new Beavercrest Community School will be located at Devonleigh Gate in Markdale.
“The funding for the new school in Markdale is great news for our community,” said Rick Byers, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “This investment will ensure families and students have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead.”
“Our government is investing $14 billion over ten years to build new schools, improve existing facilities and create child care spaces to ensure young people can reach their full potential,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “By building the new state-of-the-art Beavercrest Community School in Markdale, as well as investing in tutoring and mental health supports for the year ahead, we are getting students in Markdale back on track now and well into the future. While we make progress building this new school to support hard-working parents, we remain committed to keeping students in more normal classrooms with extra curriculars, sports, and clubs.”
“This is fantastic news for the community of Markdale and Grey Highlands. It’s great to see, not only a commitment of 328 new student spaces, but an additional 39 new child care spaces, 2 new child care rooms and 2 room EarlyON and Family Centre. Working with the Bluewater District School Board has proven by working together we could build a new school, with the co-operation of Devonleigh Homes,” said Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen. “Thanks to Ministers Lecce and Surma for supporting the new school and Premier Doug Ford who visited Markdale in 2019. It has been great working with our local MPP Rick Byers who delivered this wonderful news.”
