Ontario Approves $91 Million for Catholic School Projects in Waterloo Region
Four projects to create nearly 2,000 student spaces and new child care capacity
The Ontario government has approved more than $91 million in capital funding for four Catholic school projects across Waterloo Region. The funding, allocated through the Ministry of Educationâs Capital Priorities Program, is intended to address capacity and facility needs at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. The investments will support two new elementary schools, an addition to an existing elementary school, and an addition to a secondary school, resulting in the creation of nearly 2,000 new or renewed student spaces in Kitchener and Cambridge.
The largest component of the approved funding is directed toward a new elementary school in the Doon South area of Kitchener. With a project budget of $32.4 million, this school is planned to accommodate 645 students and will include a five-room child care centre. The child care centre will provide 88 new licensed child care spaces for the community.
A replacement school for St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener has also been approved, with $28.8 million allocated for a facility that will offer 657 student spaces. The new building is intended to modernize and expand the learning environment for current and future students in the area.
Monsignor Haller Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener will receive a $17.2 million investment for the addition of 282 pupil spaces and retrofits to existing spaces. This project is designed to expand capacity while updating facilities to meet current educational standards.
Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge will benefit from a $12.8 million addition, creating 368 new student spaces and new operational areas for the school. This expansion is aimed at accommodating increased enrolment and providing updated educational infrastructure.
In total, the four projects will create 1,952 new or renewed student spaces and 88 new licensed child care spaces across the region. These investments are intended to respond to enrolment growth and community needs in Waterloo Region.
Annalisa Varano, director of education and CEO of the Catholic board, described the funding announcement as positive for students, families, and staff. She stated, "These investments mean more children will learn, grow and be formed in faith in modern, welcoming spaces close to home, and more families will have access to the child care they need."
Varano further emphasized that the projects reflect the boardâs commitment to serving a growing region, noting the longstanding presence of Catholic education in the area. "Catholic education has served this region for generations, grounding learning in faith and community, and these new and renewed spaces will allow us to carry that mission forward for the next generation of students," she said.
The process for each project will follow the Ministry of Educationâs enhanced capital accountability framework. This requires milestones to be confirmed through a project commitment agreement between the school board and the province before construction can proceed.
At present, specific timelines for construction commencement and completion have not been announced. The school board has indicated that these details will be finalized as planning for each project advances.
The funding is part of broader efforts by the Ontario government to address educational infrastructure needs in regions experiencing population growth and increased demand for student and child care spaces. The Capital Priorities Program is used by the Ministry of Education to allocate resources for new schools, additions, and retrofits across the province, based on assessed needs and priorities identified by local school boards.
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board has identified these four projects as priorities within its capital plan, citing increased enrolment pressures and the necessity to update or replace aging facilities. The inclusion of child care spaces within new school buildings is aligned with provincial policy encouraging co-location of educational and early years programming.
The provinceâs investment in these projects is expected to have implications for educational access and community services in Kitchener and Cambridge, potentially alleviating overcrowding and providing modernized learning environments. The new and expanded facilities may also support local families seeking access to licensed child care, a service in high demand across many Ontario communities.
Stakeholders, including board officials and local families, will be monitoring the progress of these projects as further details regarding planning and construction schedules become available. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced educational infrastructure, increased capacity to accommodate growth, and expanded access to child care services in Waterloo Region.