Caledonia elementary school and child-care facility Announcement.

New school to host 746 children, open in 2024

MONDAY, NOV. 29, 2021

A site of more than seven acres at the McLachlan & Whitehorn intersection in Caledonia has been identified and set aside for the new joint elementary school.

Brantford, Ont. – The Ontario Ministry of Education has announced a $20.4 million capital investment for the construction of a new joint-use elementary school, along with a three-room child-care centre in Caledonia, Ontario. The project is intended to ease pressure on existing schools in the area and support the surge of residential development in the area.

The investment comes in response to joint applications for funding from both the public and separate school boards serving the area. The Grand Erie District School Board (Grand Erie) and the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) partnered to submit several applications to the Ministry, with the most recent submitted in the spring of 2021.

A site of more than seven acres at the McLachlan & Whitehorn intersection in Caledonia has been identified and set aside for the new joint elementary school.  The site is adjacent to a large park block which has already been developed and completed by Haldimand County (see attached image).

The scope for the project includes classroom and play space for 746 students, a gymnasium and library, special education rooms, resource rooms and three child-care rooms (infant, toddler and preschool). The construction is anticipated to be completed for the start of the school year in September 2024.
 

Quick Facts:

• The 2016 census puts the population of Caledonia at about 10,000, and forecasts done for Haldimand County project a population of up to 24,500 by 2041
• Grand Erie currently operates two elementary and one secondary school in Caledonia, serving 1045 and 641 students respectively
• The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board currently operates two elementary schools in Caledonia, serving over 560 students
• The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board student population in Caledonia has grown more than 30 per cent over the past 5 years
   

Quotes:

“From modernizing our curriculum to revitalizing our classrooms and their facilities, we are investing in our students and giving them every tool to achieve their full potential.  Our government’s support for the new joint elementary school in Caledonia will help alleviate pressures faced by the community due to continued growth while demonstrating our overall commitment to supporting our students and families with access to modern, accessible, and digitally-connected learning spaces.”
Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education

“My office has heard for quite some time about the pressures in Caledonia schools. This is fantastic news for students and families who can be assured the best possible education, close to home.”
Toby Barrett, MPP Haldimand Norfolk

“We want to thank Minister Lecce and the Ministry of Education for this investment to enhance education opportunities in one of the district’s fastest-growing communities. This is a significant infrastructure investment, but more importantly, an investment in the future of children by providing new, modern learning spaces.”
Greg Anderson, Chair of the Grand Erie District School Board

“Our Caledonia schools have been feeling growth pressures, and we’re grateful the Ministry of Education has responded favourably to our joint application. This new school gives us new opportunities to partner with staff, students and communities to continue to build a culture of learning, well-being and belonging in Grand Erie. I’m looking forward to seeing this project develop, and I know our families and students will love it.”
JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education, Grand Erie District School Board

About Grand Erie

Grand Erie District School Board represents more than 25,000 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 2,500, Grand Erie is committed to learning, leading and inspiring.

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Contact:
Grand Erie Communications
gedsb-communications@granderie.ca
Grand Erie District School Board
349 Erie Avenue, Brantford, Ontario, N3T 5V3
www.granderie.ca

or

BHNCDSB Communications
directorsoffice@bhncdsb.ca
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
322 Fairview Drive, Brantford, ON N3T 5M8
www.bhncdsb.ca