Ontario Building Two New Schools in Ottawa
March 31, 2026
Investment part of Ontario government’s record funding to ensure student success
NEWS
OTTAWA – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for success in our workforce, the Ontario government has provided the Ottawa Catholic School Board with approval to issue the tenders for the new Fernbank North Catholic Elementary School and for the new Fernbank 7-12 Catholic Secondary School to create more student spaces and child care spaces.
“The funding for a new Fernbank North Catholic Elementary School and the new Fernbank 7-12 Catholic Secondary School in Ottawa is great for residents of Carleton, especially for a rapidly growing community such as Stittsville,” said George Darouze, MPP for Carleton. “Through these investments, we’re creating opportunities for students in Carleton to thrive today and well into the future.”
These projects are supported by a total investment of $110.1 million, which includes additional funding of nearly $21.8 million. When complete, these projects will deliver 507 elementary student spaces, 1,439 secondary student spaces and 39 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, these projects 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 these two projects in Ottawa, 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.
“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 more than $220 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.”
“We are grateful to the Province of Ontario and to MPP Darouze for their continued support and investment in these important projects for families in the Fernbank community,” said Mark D. Mullan, Chair of the Ottawa Catholic School Board. “These new Fernbank Catholic elementary and secondary schools will provide welcoming, faith-based learning environments close to home and will support student well-being, strong community connections, and high-quality Catholic education for students and families.”
Fernbank North Catholic Elementary School will be located at 620 Triangle Street in Ottawa. It’s a $25.8 million investment to provide 507 elementary student spaces and 39 new licensed child care spaces.
Fernbank 7-12 Catholic Secondary School will be located at 5431 Fernbank Road in Ottawa. The project funding of nearly $84.3 million will support 1,439 secondary student spaces.
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QUICK FACTS
- Ontario passed 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 more than $6 billion for major capital projects, including 173 new schools, 122 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.
MEDIA CONTACT
Office of George Darouze, MPP – Carleton
1128 Mill St. Manotick, ON K4M 1A2
Tel.: 613-838-4425
george.darouze@pc.ola.org