Media Release: Ministry Funding and Approvals Keep New Caledonia Elementary Schools on Schedule for 2025

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Media Release

For immediate Release

Ministry Funding and Approvals Keep New Caledonia Elementary Schools on Schedule for 2025

THURSDAY, MAR. 7, 2024

Brantford, Ont. – Families in Caledonia are one step closer to a brand new elementary school building to serve the area’s growing population. Grand Erie District School Board and the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) have received Ministry of Education approval to proceed to tender, as well as additional funding in the amount of $12,622,948 to support the construction of a new joint-use elementary school.

The new funding brings the project total to $33,054,046 for the joint-use school, situated near the intersection of MacLachlan Ave and Whitehorn Crescent, and on schedule to open its doors to learners in September 2025. The joint-use building’s plan consists of 76,000 square feet of constructed space to house the two new schools including a shared 7,400 square foot gymnasium and an 1,800 square foot library/learning commons space.

The next step for the project is a tendering process to select a construction partner, which is already underway, with a tender award expected in April.

The new schools are a significant infrastructure investment that will meet the increasing needs of the fast-growing community in Haldimand County, with capacity for 746 learners, and a child-care centre with 49 spaces to accommodate 10 infants, 15 toddlers, and 24 preschool children. The project has been funded through the Ministry of Education’s Capital Priorities and Child Care Capital Funding Program.

Grand Erie currently operates two elementary schools and one secondary school, and BHNCDSB operates two elementary schools in Caledonia, and has named this new Catholic school Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School. Grand Erie’s naming process for its new school will begin at a later date.

Grand Erie District School Board represents more than 27,000 students in 58 elementary schools and 14 secondary schools within the City of Brantford and the counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk as well as students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. With a dedicated staff of more than 2,900, Grand Erie is committed to learning, leading, and inspiring.

The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board offers faith-based education serving nearly 12,000 students from Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk Counties, and the City of Brantford. The district has over 1,700 full and part-time staff committed to Belonging, Teaching and Learning, and Wellness for all.

Quotes:

“We are determined to build schools and expansions faster, part of our commitment to modernize schools in fast growing communities. We are proud to deliver a new, state-of-the-art joint-use elementary school for Caledonia families, along with increasing funding, staffing and a back-to-basics focus on reading, writing and math skills to help ensure students graduate with confidence that they can succeed in good-paying careers."

Stephen Lecce
Minister of Education

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are thrilled to be at this stage of the project and want to thank the Ministry of Education and the Honourable Stephen Lecce for investing in these important enhancements to public education. This new facility will serve the needs of the growing community of Caledonia, providing an inspiring space for learning and belonging for generations to come.”

Susan Gibson
Chair of Grand Erie District School Board

“It’s very exciting to be one step closer to breaking ground to create new, modern and engaging spaces for learning and growing. We look forward to working closely with BHNCDSB to complete this important project. On behalf of Grand Erie, and the learners and families in Caledonia that this future school will serve, I want to sincerely thank the Ministry of Education for sharing our vision and making these important investments in public education."

JoAnna Roberto
Director of Education, Grand Erie District School Board

“The Board is excited to share that Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School will create a third Catholic school in Caledonia to meet the overwhelming demand for student spaces and wish to thank the Ministry of Education and the Honourable Stephen Lecce for their ongoing support. We are pleased that the facility will also benefit the families of Caledonia with a large child-care centre in the building. This facility will continue to ensure that the BHNCDSB provides a safe, faith-filled, and welcoming environment for all students so that they can meet their potential."

Rick Petrella
Chair of Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board

“We are pleased that Pope Francis Catholic Elementary School will provide our Caledonia students with a learning environment where we can continue to offer exceptional opportunities that are innovative, collaborative, and engaging. It will offer our students and staff the space to live out the vision of our faith-based communities that inspire lifelong learning and service to others.”