New school to host 746 children, open in 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 29, 2021

Brantford, Ont. – The Ontario Ministry of Education has announced a $20.4 million capital investment for the construction of a new joint-use elementary school, along with a three-room child-care centre in Caledonia, Ontario. The project is intended to ease pressure on existing schools in the area and support the surge of residential development in the area.

The investment comes in response to joint applications for funding from both the public and separate school boards serving the area. The Grand Erie District School Board (Grand Erie) and the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) partnered to submit several applications to the Ministry, with the most recent submitted in the spring of 2021.

A site of more than seven acres at the McLachlan & Whitehorn intersection in Caledonia has been identified and set aside for the new joint elementary school.  The site is adjacent to a large park block which has already been developed and completed by Haldimand County (see attached image).

The scope for the project includes classroom and play space for 746 students, a gymnasium and library, special education rooms, resource rooms and three child-care rooms (infant, toddler and preschool). The construction is anticipated to be completed for the start of the school year in September 2024.

Quick Facts:

• The 2016 census puts the population of Caledonia at about 10,000, and forecasts done for Haldimand County project a population of up to 24,500 by 2041
• Grand Erie currently operates two elementary and one secondary school in Caledonia, serving 1045 and 641 students respectively
• The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board currently operates two elementary schools in Caledonia, serving over 560 students
• The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board student population in Caledonia has grown more than 30 per cent over the past 5 years

Quotes:

“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.  Our government’s support for the new joint elementary school in Caledonia will help alleviate pressures faced by the community due to continued growth while demonstrating our overall commitment to supporting our students and families with access to modern, accessible, and digitally-connected learning spaces.”
Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education

“My office has heard for quite some time about the pressures in Caledonia schools. This is fantastic news for students and families who can be assured the best possible education, close to home.”
Toby Barrett, MPP Haldimand Norfolk

“We are excited that our Catholic community continues to grow in all areas of the Board, and a brand-new school and child-care facility in Caledonia will help meet the needs of students and earliest learners in that area. We are grateful to the Minister and the Ministry of Education for this significant investment.”
Rick Petrella Chair of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board

“As a Board we are thankful that the Caledonia community will have a new educational facility to address our increased enrolment where our students can learn and grow in their knowledge and faith.”
Michael McDonald, Director of Education, BHNCDSB

About BHNCDSB

Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board is committed to faith based education, and teaching and learning, belonging, and wellness for all. The Board encompasses the City of Brantford and the counties of Brant, Norfolk and Haldimand counties and welcome students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The Board is made up of the Diocese of London, The Diocese of Hamilton and the Diocese St Catharines.  The BHNCDSB has 1,500 committed staff, more than 11,000 students in 28 elementary schools and 4 secondary schools.

Contact:

BHNCDSB Communications
directorsoffice@bhncdsb.ca
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board