Middlesex County to Gain Two New Schools in $45M Educational Boost

Local Journalism Initiative

April 11, 2024 at 12:19 p.m.·3 min read

MIDDLESEX COUNTY - In an important move towards enhancing educational and childcare facilities in Middlesex County, the Ontario government has announced a combined investment of over $45 million for the construction of two new elementary schools in the communities of Lucan and Komoka. This investment is designed to address the growing educational needs and demographic expansion of these rapidly developing areas.

The announcement, made by Education Minister Stephen Lecce in Strathroy, has been met with enthusiasm from local school boards and community leaders, signaling a forward leap in the region's commitment to quality education and childcare. The funding forms part of the 2023-24 Capital Priorities Program, underscoring the government's dedication to creating cutting-edge learning environments that cater to the developmental needs of Middlesex County's younger residents.

The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is set to receive nearly $25 million, including a dedicated portion for childcare, to establish a new public elementary school in Lucan. This school is planned to house 531 students and include an 88-space child care center. TVDSB Chair Beth Mai expressed excitement over the approval, stating, "This approval highlights the strength of collaboration between the Thames Valley District School Board and the Ministry and is encouraging news for our communities where population continues to grow at a rapid rate. We look forward to the benefits this school will bring to the Lucan community, reflecting our commitment to providing quality education for all students."

Similarly, the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) is poised to construct a new Catholic elementary school in Komoka, with an allocation of roughly $20.6 million, including childcare funding. This new facility is expected to accommodate 434 students alongside an 88-child care capacity. Gabe Pizzuti, LDCSB Chair of the Board of Trustees, celebrated the news, saying, "This is amazing news for families in Middlesex County and west London. This is an area in our region that is growing rapidly. A new elementary school will accommodate new students as well as relieve pressure on some of our existing schools."

The timelines for the start of these ambitious projects are yet to be announced, but the enthusiasm and anticipation for the educational benefits they promise to deliver underscore the transformative impact expected for the communities involved. Minister Lecce reaffirmed the government's commitment to this initiative, emphasizing, "our government is laser-focused on building new state-of-the-art schools and childcare for families in rapidly growing areas across the province. That is why I am proud to deliver two new elementary schools that will benefit young students as they learn in modern schools that get students back-to-basics with hands-on learning to be better prepared for the jobs of the future."

Moreover, Middlesex County Warden Aina DeViet highlighted the broader significance of these projects in her statement, "Middlesex County is experiencing significant growth, underscoring the pressing need for increased capacity in both licensed childcare and education spaces. The recent announcement from the Province of Ontario, committing to the construction of two new elementary schools and childcare centres in Middlesex County, represents an advancement towards meeting these needs."

As Middlesex County continues to evolve and expand, these new educational institutions stand as beacons of progress, promising to nurture the next generation of learners and leaders within the community.

David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Middlesex Banner

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