Ontario Construction News staff writer
Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora–Rainy River, says the province will spend just over $10 million to build a new Kindergarten to Grade 12 school in Rainy River.
“I’m extremely proud to announce our government is building a new Kindergarten to grade 12 school to serve the communities across the Rainy River region,” Rickford said. “We remain committed to delivering on what matters most to the hardworking people and families in Northwestern Ontario.”
The facility will provide 311 new student spaces, supporting the consolidation of Rainy River High School and Riverview Elementary, along with a previously approved two-room childcare centre.
The 2020 funding is in support of an overall project cost of $16.8 million with an anticipated completion date no later than the 2023-24 school year.
“This investment in infrastructure and education from the Ontario Government will help all the children and youth in the West Rainy River District including those from the Town of Rainy River, Dawson Township, Lake of the Woods Township, Morley Township, Big Grassy First Naton and Big Island First Nation achieve their best educational outcomes,” said Deborah Ewald, Mayor of the Town of Rainy River.
“This is a great investment in the future for all the residents of the area.”
Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, with the funding for childcare and a child and family centre, will provide our students and their families with welcoming, safe, and supportive teaching and learning environments to enhance student achievement and well-being.
“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,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.
“Our financing of the new K to 12 school in Rainy River further demonstrates our government’s historic investment in Ontario’s schools and child cares, as well as our overall commitment to supporting our students and families.”
The Ontario Government announced in Budget 2019 that over the next ten years, Ontario is investing over $12 billion in capital grants, including allocating $550M in 2020-2021 for new schools, additions and major renovations.
Also, school boards will receive $1.4 billion in funding to renew and maintain existing schools.