Investment part of Ontario government’s record funding to ensure student success
News June 16, 2026
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 approval to issue the tender for the new West Whitby Secondary School to create more student spaces.
“As more families choose to call Whitby home, it is important that we continue investing in modern learning environments that support student success,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This new school will help ensure Whitby students have access to the space, resources, and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential for years to come.”
This project is supported by a total investment of up to $85.6 million, which includes additional funding of $15.7 million. When complete, the project will deliver 1,384 new secondary student 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, this project will offer an inspiring learning environment that helps 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 the one in Whitby, the government is meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes. The investment is part of Ontario’s commitment to invest more than $22 billion over 10 years to support school construction, renewal and improvement.
“Building and renewing Ontario’s infrastructure is a key part of our government’s plan to protect the economy and keep workers on the job in the face of significant economic uncertainties,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “Through our $236 billion capital plan, we are getting shovels in the ground faster to build new and improved schools, transit, hospitals and other critical infrastructure for communities across the province.”
West Whitby Secondary School will be located at Des Newman Boulevard and Coronation Road in Whitby.
QUOTES
“This is a win for west Whitby families. The Board of Trustees is thankful to the Government of Ontario for this announcement and to the community for their continued support. We are excited to deliver another new secondary school in Durham Region that will serve generations of students to come.”
– Chair Tracy Brown, DDSB Board of Trustees
“This announcement marks a fantastic step forward for the Durham District School Board. Building a new secondary school in west Whitby allows us to support our expanded student population with state-of-the-art resources. Thank you to everyone involved in the planning process, we cannot wait to welcome students in 2028.”
– Camille Williams-Taylor, CEO, DDSB
Quick Facts
· Since 2018, Ontario has provided more than $7.6 billion for major capital projects, including 209 new schools and 161 permanent additions or renovations
to existing school buildings, to create more than 150,000 new student spaces and more than 11,000 new licensed child care spaces in schools.
· For the 2025-26 school year, the province is providing $1.4 billion to school boards to renew and improve schools.
· The Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026 brings greater accountability, consistency and modernization to Ontario’s education system through new and enhanced measures to further support student success.
-30-
MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-114