Ontario Building Four New Schools in Durham Region

June 12, 2025

Investment part of Ontario government’s record funding to ensure student success

News | June 12, 2025
WHITBY – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for success in our
workforce, the Ontario government has provided the Durham District School Board with
approved funding to award the tender for two new West Whitby elementary schools to
create more student spaces and child care spaces.

Additionally, through the 2024-25 Capital Priorities Program, the Ontario government is
investing nearly $98 million for a new West Whitby Secondary School and a new
Oshawa Public School. This investment will support the creation of 1,384 secondary
spaces in Whitby and 634 elementary student spaces in Oshawa as part of the
government’s commitment to building modern learning spaces for Ontario students.

“The construction of new elementary and secondary schools in West Whitby represents
a significant investment in one of the Region of Durham’s fastest growing communities,”
said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of
Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and the Minister of Children,
Community and Social Services. “With over $154 million in approved funding, our
government is delivering more than 3,900 new student spaces and nearly 50 new child
care spaces all to ensure that families in Whitby and across Durham Region have
access to modern, high-quality learning environments close to home. These projects
are a key part of our plan to protect Ontario’s future and prepare students for long-term
success in our Province’s workforce.”

These projects are supported by a total investment of $154.6 million. When complete,
the projects will deliver 1,902 new elementary spaces, 1,384 secondary student spaces
and 49 new licensed child care spaces for local families.

“Our government is focused on supporting students, teachers, and parents while
ensuring school boards are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed,”
said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Once completed, the projects will offer an
inspiring learning environment that help students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Our
government will continue to provide the resources students need for ultimate
achievement.”

Through local infrastructure projects like these in Durham Region, the government is
meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes. The
investment is part of Ontario’s commitment to invest about $23 billion to support school
construction, renewal, and improvement over 10 years.

“With nearly $200 billion invested into building, our government’s historic infrastructure
plan is getting shovels in the ground to build better schools, transit and communities
that Ontarians deserve today and for future generations,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of
Infrastructure.

“On behalf of the DDSB’s Board of Trustees and our growing communities in Whitby
and Oshawa, I want to thank the Government of Ontario for advancing these projects.
Our schools are more than places of learning—they are vibrant centers of community,
collaboration, and innovation. We look forward to opening the doors to these new
spaces and welcoming students and families into environments that inspire growth and
connection.”
– Chair Tracy Brown, Trustee for Whitby

Highlights of the projects include:
Unnamed West Whitby Secondary School
• $69.9 million
• 1,384 secondary student spaces
• To be located at Des Newman Blvd and Coronation Road in Whitby

Unnamed Oshawa Public School
• $27.8 million
• 634 elementary student spaces
• To be located at Whitelaw Avenue and Glenbourne Drive in Oshawa

Unnamed West Whitby Public School
• $30.5 million
• 634 elementary spaces
• 3 child care rooms (49 licensed child care spaces)
• Under construction at Maskell Crescent and Coronation Road

Unnamed West Whitby Public School
• $26.4 million
• 634 elementary spaces
• Under construction at Cisco Drive and Limoges Street.

Quick Facts
• In May 2025, Ontario introduced the Supporting Children and Students
Act, 2025, to strengthen the government’s oversight of school board
finances, governance and program performance, to ensure that every
dollar invested is preparing students for success.
• Since 2018, Ontario has provided nearly $5 billion for major capital projects,
including 169 new schools, 124 permanent additions or renovations to existing
school buildings and over 9,600 new licensed child care spaces in schools.
• For the 2025-26 school year, the province is providing $1.4 billion to school
boards for school renewal projects.
• The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 includes measures to help
maximize capital assets of boards to support building modern schools faster, and
better use current school space.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-1141