The Ontario provincial government has given the two Niagara school boards approval for a new joint elementary school in Wainfleet.
The project is part of the province’s capital investment program of over $500 million to build 30 new schools and make upgrades to 15 existing facilities.
The new school, a joint project of the District School Board of Niagara and Niagara Catholic School Board, will be built on the existing property where the St Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School is located.
It will provide space for 587 elementary students in Wainfleet. The project consolidates the DSBN’s William E. Brown Public School and Winger Public School and replaces the existing St. Elizabeth School for the Niagara Catholic.
“This investment will provide a quality learning environment and new opportunities for students in Wainfleet,” said,” Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.
Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce and MPP Oosterhoff visited St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School last Thursday along with leaders from both school boards.
The Minister and MPP Oosterhoff were also joined by Sherri Van Vliet, Deputy Mayor of the Township of Wainfleet.
Visit to Twenty Valley Public School
Earlier in the day, Lecce and Oosterhoff also visited Twenty Valley Public School in Vineland. “We were able to interact with a number of teachers, administrators, and students during the Minister’s visit in Niagara and were greatly impressed by the professionalism and pride of our local educators,” said Oosterhoff.
“While COVID-19 has forced upon us many changes to our schools and our lives, some things remain constant. The importance of quality education, our collective mental health, and the safety of our students and staff,” said Lecce. “This year is like no other in our past. I am fiercely proud of our province, and our collective efforts, including here in Niagara. We will overcome any challenge on the horizon, so long as we continue to work together in the interests of our students.”