Press Release: Government of Ontario, May 15, 2026.
ELORA – The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect Ontario and ensure students have access to modern classrooms by investing $1.6 billion in 79 school construction projects across Ontario. The investments will support growing communities by creating over 29,000 new student spaces and over 1,900 licensed childcare spaces so students have the modern learning spaces they need to succeed in their studies and prepare for in-demand careers.
Locally, the province is investing nearly $9,000,000 for a new addition at St. Mary Catholic School in Elora to create more student spaces in a growing community. This project will, when complete, deliver 164 new elementary student spaces for local families in the Wellington Catholic District School Board.
“St. Mary’s in Elora has seen great growth in recent years, and I am very happy to see this important investment into our student’s future,” said Joseph Racinsky, MPP for Wellington-Halton Hills. “This $9 million investment will make sure that the teachers, staff, and students have the space they need to learn and thrive.”
“This investment in an addition at St. Mary Catholic School is very welcome news for Elora and for the Township of Centre Wellington. As our community continues to grow, it is important that local families have access to modern, high-quality learning spaces close to home. Creating 164 new elementary student spaces will help support students today and into the future, and we are pleased to see this investment in education infrastructure in our community,” said Mayor Shawn Watters, Township of Centre Wellington.
The Capital Priorities program supports the construction of new schools, permanent additions, renovations and school purchases. This year’s funding will support a combination of new school builds, expansions and retrofits across the province and is part of Ontario’s commitment to provide more than $22 billion over 10 years to support new school construction, renewal and improvements.
“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “We’re building the schools students need, and we’re making sure they get built quickly and on schedule. With stronger oversight and accountability through the Putting Student Achievement First Act, we are ensuring projects are delivered on time and focused on students, so that parents can be confident their children have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”
“We are very pleased to be expanding St. Mary Catholic Elementary School and continue growing alongside the vibrant Elora community. This addition supports the needs of the growing school community, providing more students with access to high-quality, faith-based education in enhanced environments. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for its investment in St. Mary Catholic Elementary School and for its ongoing commitment to supporting our school communities,” said Michael Glazier, Director of Education, Wellington Catholic DSB.
St. Mary’s Catholic School is located at 251 Irvine St. in Elora.
