Port Elgin will be getting a new elementary school.
The provincial government announced over $17.8 million for the new school on Tuesday.
It will host an additional 409 pupils from junior kindergarten to Grade 6 and the Bluewater District School Board says it will complement Northport Elementary School and Port Elgin-Saugeen Central School.
A release from the board says its staff recognized the growing need to accommodate student enrolment pressure in Saugeen Shores and submitted a business case for an additional school.
Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce says, “This investment in the Bluewater District School Board will provide modern, state-of-the-art facilities to support students’ learning and growth, while supporting hardworking families in Port Elgin and the Town of Saugeen Shores. Together, we are building a brighter future for the community.”
BWDSB Chair Jane Thomson says in a statement “We are extremely pleased and excited to receive such incredible news from the Ministry of Education regarding a new growth school to serve students and families in the Port Elgin area,” adding, “Our staff have been diligently working to ensure a successful outcome for this business case application, and we are so appreciative of their efforts, along with the support of our community and municipal partners. A very special ‘thank you’ goes out to MPP Lisa Thompson and the Ministry of Education for recognizing the need for a new school in the growing and vibrant Port Elgin community.”
That board says, “Staff are eager to start work on the new school and will provide more information on timelines when further details are known.”
Board Communications Officer Jamie Pettit says a location hasn’t been decided on yet.