Work is now underway to build a replacement for Beavercrest Community School in Markdale. Bluewater District School board (BWDSB) representatives, politicians, dignitaries, community and partners gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony at the future build site Thursday, July 6, 2023.
The symbolic sod-turning, brings the highly anticipated 328-pupil junior kindergarten to Grade 8 replacement school closer to reality. It will be built next to the current school site. The new facility will also include a two-room child care centre and two-room EarlyON centre.
If all goes as planned, the new school is expected to be ready for 2024 – 2025 school year. Recently, the Ministry of Education granted the school board's request to revise the Approval to Proceed by more than $19.6 million to keep up with market price escalation and unique site costs.
“We are determined to build schools and expansions faster, part of our commitment to modernize schools in fast growing communities," said Minister of Education Stephen Lecce. "We are proud to deliver a new, state-of-the-art Beavercrest Community School for Markdale families, along with increasing funding, staffing, and tutoring to help ensure students graduate with confidence that they can succeed in good-paying careers."
“The continued financial commitment and support for a new replacement school with child care in Markdale by the Ministry of Education is wholeheartedly appreciated by our board and community,” said BWDSB Chair Jane Thomson. “We are also grateful to our current and previous MPPs, Rick Byers and Bill Walker, who have been the unwavering voices for our rural communities provincially, and our staff and partners for their support every step of the way.”
“We are incredibly excited to get shovels in the ground to mark the next phase of the new Beavercrest Community School build, which will benefit Markdale area students and families for years to come,” said BWDSB Director of Education Lori Wilder. “Thank you to the Ministry of Education for recognizing the importance of this project through ongoing funding support, and to our board staff, trustees, MPP, and community partners, who have worked tirelessly and advocated strongly to see its fruition.”
