The Ministry of Education has confirmed $11.75 million in Capital Priorities funding for renovations to the yet to be named Owen Sound elementary school and Owen Sound District Secondary School.
$5 million will complete renovations at the Owen Sound elementary school for September 2017, and pay for added licensed childcare spaces in partnership with the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce.
$6.7 million will pay for renewal and renovation work at the new Secondary School to ensure long term physical and mechanical improvements. “We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Bluewater District School Board”, says YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Chief Executive Officer Gayle Graham. “This arrangement will allow us to operate in program space that is fully accessible and will assist families in making the transition from child care to school. Our YMCA will also be providing Before and After School programming for older children at this location.”
“In addition to the advantages of retaining a school with an already impressive range of learning spaces, this funding allows us to make several upgrades that will improve the secondary experience in Owen Sound for years to come. We are also better positioned to reinvest in enhanced programming opportunities for our students in these two facilities,” says Director of Education Steve Blake.
“We are very thankful to the Ministry of Education for its commitment to invest in a sustainable future for Owen Sound area elementary and secondary students. We look forward to the many benefits this capital funding will generate,” says Marg Gaviller, Trustee for the City of Owen Sound.
“In addition to extending our thanks to the Ministry of Education for its continued support, we acknowledge all of the students, parents, staff members, trustees and others in the community who have been instrumental in achieving this positive outcome through their participation in last year’s accommodation review,” says Board Chair Ron Motz.
