VIDEO: Ontario Building New School in Kemptville

Investment is part of the Ontario government’s record funding to ensure student success

KEMPTVILLE — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for success, Catholiques du Centre-Est with approval to issue the tender for the new École élémentaire et secondaire catholique (Éésc) Notre-Dame to create more student spaces and childcare spaces.

“I’m proud our government has provided the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est with the additional funding necessary to tender this new school. When complete, it will provide 417 students with a modern learning environment, a place where they will be inspired to reach their full potential and build lifelong connections to their culture and community,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “Congratulations to the board and the Notre Dame school family on this exciting milestone. I can’t wait to break ground on the project with you.”

This project is supported by a total investment of $26.5 million, which includes additional funding of more than $11.6 million. When complete, the project will deliver 417 new student spaces and 39 new licensed childcare spaces for local families.

“Our government is focused on supporting students, teachers and parents while ensuring school boards are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Once completed, this project will offer an inspiring learning environment that helps students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Our government will continue to provide the resources students need for ultimate achievement.”

Through local infrastructure projects like this one in Kemptville, the government is meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes. The investment is part of Ontario’s commitment to invest about $23 billion to support school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years.

“With nearly $200 billion invested into building, our government’s historic infrastructure plan is getting shovels in the ground to build better schools, transit and communities Minister of Infrastructure.

“The construction of this new building is much more than an infrastructure project: it is a project of community, pride, and visibility. This investment carries particular significance as it strengthens the vitality of a Francophone minority and ensures the sustainability of a stimulating and lasting educational environment for our students, families and staff.”
said Johanne Lacombe, Chair of the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est.

École élémentaire et secondaire catholique (Éésc) Notre-Dame will be located on Concession Road in North Grenville.

QUICK FACTS:

• In May 2025, Ontario introduced the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, to strengthen the government’s oversight of school board finances, governance and program performance, to ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students for success.
• Since 2018, Ontario has provided nearly $5 billion for major capital projects, including 169 new schools, 124 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings and over 9,600 new licensed childcare spaces in schools.
• For the 2025-26 school year, the province is providing $1.4 billion to school boards for school renewal projects.
• The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023, includes measures to help maximize capital assets of boards to support building modern schools faster and better use current school space.