A banner day today for education in St. Thomas and Southwold Township.
The province announced this morning more than $80 million in funding for three new area schools.
Of that total, almost $44 million is earmarked for a new high school with a capacity of 703 students to replace Arthur Voaden Secondary School. (See separate story on this replacement school here.
A new 412-place elementary school with 49 licensed child care spaces valued at $22 million will be built in Talbotville.
And, in a joint venture, a new French Immersion elementary school, with room for 262 students will share the same site at a cost of almost $16 million.
Rob Flack, Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (pictured at the announcement this morning at the new Catholic elementary school under construction in Kilworth) explained the shared use in Talbotville.
The local funding is part of a $92 million investment announced Tuesday morning for new and expanded schools in Thames Valley.
No details were announced on exact locations of the three new facilities.
However, Flack stressed the hunt for land will soon begin.
Although they may not directly impact this area, Flack advised another round of announcements is on the way, although nothing in the way of timelines. And he reminded of the need for a school on the re-purposed hospital lands in Central Elgin.
Flack noted, “These investments will make a real difference for children and families today, while helping to build a stronger future for our region.” He reminded that there are plenty of people to thank.
“These investments reflect the remarkable growth we are experiencing in St.Thomas and across our region, and that growth includes planning thoughtfully for education,” added St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston.
“Expanding access to licensed child care is essential for a city like St. Thomas,” he added. “The addition of more than 180 new child care spaces in St. Thomas and Talbotville will help families balance work and home life, support local employers, and advance the important work of St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services in improving access to high-quality child care across the region.”
In January of last year, the province announced the city will get a second Catholic high school, thanks to $41 million in funding.
London District Catholic School Board trustee Bill Hall advised at the time that no location had been determined for the high school.
Written by Ian McCallum
