New schools coming to Lucan and Komoka as student enrolment climbs
CBC
Two new elementary schools will be built in Middlesex County to meet the needs of young families living in the areas.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced $45.6 million in provincial funding for the projects on Wednesday at an event in Strathroy, calling the move a significant investment in local education.
The announcement comes at a time when enrolment is at a record high for the London region's biggest school board, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), which outlined plans to build eight new schools at the beginning of the school year.
The schools, which are set to be in Lucan-Biddulph and Middlesex Centre, will create space for a total of 955 students, as well as 176 new child care spaces, according to Lecce.
The Lucan Elementary School will be run by the TVDSB, and ring in at $25 million with 531 student spaces and 88 child care spaces.
Meanwhile, the Middlesex Centre Catholic Elementary School will be located in Komoka, falling under the purview of the London District Catholic School Boad (LDCSB). It comes with a price tag of $20.6 million for the province and will have room for 424 students and 88 child care spaces.
"This new school will relieve pressure on our existing schools," said Vince Romeo, the LDCSB's Director of Education in a news release sent following the provincial announcement. "Our schools in Delaware and the west end of London are bursting with students."
It's not yet clear where in the respective regions the schools will be built, or when they will be open. The Catholic school board said Wednesday it does not have a firm location.
It has noted that its newest school, St. Gabriel, which is in northwest London near Hyde Park and Sunningdale roads, will open with room for 507 students in early 2025.
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