The Ontario government has announced $3,105,350 in funding for new construction at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Port Lambton.  The project will include the replacement of two classrooms, new washrooms and an expansion of the child care centre, currently housed in the school.

“This is tremendous news for the Sacred Heart Catholic school community in Port Lambton,” says Director of Education Deb Crawford.  “The funding will allow us to update this facility with two new classrooms and expand the child care services currently provided at the school.”

The Sacred Heart project is part of a $500 million investment by the Ontario government in education facilities right across the province.

The project will include the removal of a 34 year old portapak structure, which includes two existing classrooms.  A corridor linking the main building to the portapak, two student washrooms and a mechanical room will also be removed.  Two new classrooms and student washrooms will be added as part of the new construction.  New child care space with three rooms, a child care play yard, parking lot and drop off area are also included in the plans for new construction.  

“I would like to thank the Ministry of Education for this funding, which will result in an expanded child care space and improved learning environments for our students and staff,” says John Van Heck, Chair of the Board. “I also want to thank Amy Janssens and the Capital Planning team for their great work in submitting a successful business case for this important project to the Ministry.”

“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,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “Our financing of the new addition to Sacred Heart Catholic School further demonstrates our government’s historic investment in Ontario’s schools and our overall commitment to supporting our students and families.”

Construction is expected to begin by July 2021 and be completed by September 2022.