As part of its plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for success in our workforce, the Ontario government has provided the Bluewater District School Board with approval to issue the tender for the new Port Elgin Elementary School to create more student spaces.
Today’s groundbreaking for the new Port Elgin Elementary School marks an exciting milestone for local families and the community. This project is supported by a total investment of $20.9 million, which includes additional funding of $3 million. When complete, the project will deliver 409 new elementary student spaces for local families.
The groundbreaking marks an important step toward bringing the new school to life, strengthening local education infrastructure and ensuring students have access to learning spaces that support their growth and development. The project will help meet the needs of Port Elgin’s growing community while supporting families and educators for years to come.
“Today’s groundbreaking is an exciting milestone for the Town of Saugeen Shores and the families who call this community home,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “The collaboration we have with this school board is second to none. Our government continues to make strategic investments in the schools and infrastructure our communities need to grow. This investment will help create 409 elementary student spaces, where they can learn, grow and reach their full potential in what is, as Mayor Luke Charbonneau is wont to say, ‘the fastest growing community in all of Ontario’.”
Deputy Mayor Diane Huber, representing the Town in the absence of Mayor Luke Charbonneau, said “I am a product of a local elementary school, G. C. Huston, and I am who I am because of the teachers I had. School is the heart of a young person’s life before they head out into the world. This new school will be phenomenal. The safety of our students is paramount and Council works with the board and schools for opportunities of collaboration.”
In a media release, Paul Calandra, Minister of Education said, “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. Once completed, this project will provide students with a modern, inspiring environment to learn, grow and build the skills they need for the future.”
“Building and renewing Ontario’s infrastructure is a key part of our government’s plan to protect the economy, keep workers on the job, and support the next generation of Ontarians,” said David Piccini, Minister of Infrastructure added. “Through our $236 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.”
In her last official duty before retirement, Jane Thomson, Bluewater District School Board Chair said that, “It is an historical day in Saugeen Shores as shovels go into the ground to officially begin the next phase of the new Port Elgin school-build. The growing need has long been a topic of conversation and this new Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 6 school will accommodate student enrolment growth and better serve local families. We are deeply thankful to the Ministry of Education for their significant investment to meet an important community need, MPP Lisa Thompson for her continued advocacy and support, as well as our school board staff, contractors, and municipal and community partners working diligently behind the scenes to bring this project to life.”
Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $7.6 billion for major capital projects, including 209 new schools, 161 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings and created more than 150,000 new student spaces and more than 11,000 new licensed child care spaces.
The Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026 brings greater accountability, consistency and modernization to Ontario’s education system through new and enhanced measures to further support student success.
For the 2026-27 school year, the province is providing $1.4 billion to school boards to renew and improve schools.
All Keene, Bluewater Chief Executive Officer, added, “This community is growing and this new school will be surrounded with new homes and public education is worth investing in.”
