Significant Provincial Investment for New Schools in Essa Township

May 23, 2024 -The Township of Essa is thrilled to announce a significant provincial investment of over $52.4 million in the local education infrastructure in Essa Township. This funding is dedicated to the construction of two new schools in Essa Township. 516 pupils will be accommodated in the new catholic school with 49 licensed child-care spaces, and 593 pupils will be accommodated in the new elementary school. The province’s investment will address the increasing demand for modern educational facilities, and as well will work towards alleviating over-crowding in the existing schools.

These projects are part of the Ontario government's larger $1.3 billion investment in new school constructions and expansions across the province, announced by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, as part of the Capital Priorities Program.

“The sun was shining over Angus Essa Township with two great Provincial Ford Government funding announcements.  We received funding for two new elementary schools in Angus:  one Catholic and one Public.  This is not only great news, it is a historic milestone for our Youth.   Essa Council and Staff would like to thank the Provincial Ford Government, Minister Lecce, and Simcoe Grey MPP Brian Saunderson for listening, investigating the needs, and delivering the best solutions by funding these two very needed schools.  Thank you to the Catholic and Public School Boards, and School Board Trustees for your dedication and support to make these two schools a priority and a reality.   The two schools will play an integral role in our community. It will deliver an optimal learning  environment to ensure happy, healthy, successful students.   MPP Brian Saunderson, thank you for your unwavering support for our Youth and education.   We will lose our title of being the ‘King and Queen of Portables’ and the students will reclaim some of their much-needed outdoor play space.  We thank all of our partners for investing in our youth today to make successful leaders for tomorrow.  Thank you from Essa Council, Staff, Students, Parents, Teachers, and Residents for making history for our youth's education today.”

~Mayor Sandie Macdonald~

“On behalf of the Township of Essa, I would like to extend sincere thanks to the Province for their investment in the youth of our local communities.  The Province’s investment will greatly help to address the overcrowded public and catholic school systems in Essa.  We look forward to strengthening our partnership as we work towards providing the necessary educational facilities to support our growing community.  Our youth's future depends on their education today.  Staff at the Township of Essa are excited to further collaborate with both the Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.”  

~Michael Mikael, Chief Administrative Officer ~

The Township of Essa is excited about this substantial investment in our community's future, ensuring our students have access to the best educational facilities and opportunities.

Project Highlights:

• $24.3 million for a new Catholic elementary school in Angus, creating 516 student spaces and 49 licensed childcare spaces, under the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.
• $28.1 million for a new public elementary school in Angus, creating 593 student spaces, under the Simcoe County District School Board.