The Ontario government is investing $5 million toward a new addition at Montague Public School, creating space for 150 more elementary students as enrolment continues to grow in the area.
The funding announcement was part of a broader provincial investment unveiled May 6 that includes $1.6 billion for 79 school construction projects across Ontario.
According to the province, the Montague project will add new classroom space for students in the Upper Canada District School Board and help accommodate growth in Montague Township and surrounding communities.
“The funding for the Montague Public School addition is great news for our community,” said Lanark – Frontenac – Kingston MPP John Jordan. “Through this investment, we’re creating opportunities for students to thrive for the next several years. By upgrading classrooms, technology and facilities, students will continue to succeed academically and build essential skills for the future.”
The province said the project is part of Ontario’s Capital Priorities program, which supports new school construction, permanent additions, renovations and school purchases.
Ron Ferguson, director at Upper Canada District School Board, said the board had been advocating for the expansion and welcomed the announcement.
“The Upper Canada District School Board is grateful to the Ministry of Education and appreciative of MPP John Jordan’s support and advocacy for local rural schools in securing this important investment in Montague Public School,” Ferguson said.
“As someone who attended Montague Public School as a student, I know firsthand how central it is to the community, and this addition will create more opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed while having a lasting positive impact on local families.”
Montague Reeve Karen Jennings said the addition will support continued residential growth in the township.
“The Township of Montague is grateful to the Ministry of Education for providing funding necessary to carry out the addition to Montague Public School, which supports the growth in our community and neighbouring communities whose children attend the school,” Jennings said. “This addition will create a safe, supportive space for the students.”
Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra said the province is focusing on expanding school infrastructure while increasing oversight of construction timelines.
“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” Calandra said. “We’re building the schools students need, and we’re making sure they get built quickly and on schedule.”
The province said the school investments announced this year are expected to create more than 29,000 student spaces and more than 1,900 licensed child-care spaces across Ontario.
Montague Public School is located on Rosedale Road South in Montague Township near Smiths Falls.
SOURCE: The office of MP John Jordan
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