The Ontario government has approved over $45 million in funding for new schools in Lucan and Komoka.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce made the announcement in Strathroy on Wednesday afternoon. He said the Ministry of Education has given the green light to spending nearly $25 million for the new public elementary school in Lucan, which will also include a child care centre. The Ministry has also approved roughly $20.6 million for a new Catholic elementary school and child care centre in Komoka.
"We are thrilled at the Ministry of Education's approval of a new school in Lucan,” said Beth Mai, chair of the Thames Valley District School Board. "This approval highlights the strength of collaboration between the Thames Valley District School Board and the Ministry and is encouraging news for our communities where population continues to grow at a rapid rate. We look forward to the benefits this school will bring to the Lucan community, reflecting our commitment to providing quality education for all students."
The new school in Lucan will have spaces for 531 students, while the child care centre will have spaces for 88 kids. The new school in Komoka will accommodate 434 students and 88 child care spaces.
"This is amazing news for families in Middlesex County and west London," said London District Catholic School Board Chair Gabe Pizzuti. "This is an area in our region that is growing rapidly. A new elementary school will accommodate new students as well as relieve pressure on some of our existing schools. We are thankful for the support of the Ministry of Education as we continue to welcome record numbers of students to the LDCSB."
At this point, it's not known when construction on the new schools will begin.
“Our government is laser focused on building new state-of-the-art schools and child care for families in rapidly growing areas across the province,” Lecce said. “That is why I am proud to deliver two new elementary schools that will benefit young students as they learn in modern schools that get students back-to-basics with hands-on learning to be better prepared for the jobs of the future.”
**Correction: a previous version of this story said the new Catholic school would be in Strathroy. London News Today regrets the error.
