Grand River Public School will open this fall, ensuring students and teachers have the modern learning environments they need to succeed
FERGUS, ON– Today, Joseph Racinsky, MPP for Wellington—Halton Hills, announced that the new Grand River Public School will be welcoming new students in September for the 2025-26 school year. This project is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.
The province is providing Upper Grand District School Board with $18.6 million to build the new school in Fergus. This project delivers 328 elementary spaces for local families for the 2025-26 school year.
“The completion of the new Grand River Public School in Fergus is very welcome news for our community,” said MPP Racinsky. “This investment will ensure families and students have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead.”
Ontario is providing $23 billion to support school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years. Since 2018, the government has approved or supported the development of approximately 300 school-related projects including child care, of which more than 100 are actively under construction.
“Our goal is clear: to provide students with the opportunity to succeed and grow, and ensure teachers have the resources and environment they need to inspire learning and help students thrive,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “We will continue to invest in safe, modern schools while strengthening accountability and transparency across Ontario’s education system to ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers.”
While Ontario is delivering record education funding this school year of $30.3 billion, we are making sure every dollar is spent responsibly and directed to the classroom by strengthening accountability across school boards, supporting teachers, and most importantly, benefiting students.
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we’re building modern schools to support the needs of Ontario’s students, families and growing communities. By investing in new and innovative learning spaces, we’re ensuring students have access to the best education that will equip them with lifelong skills and education,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “These investments are part of our more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario by getting shovels in the ground faster on the projects that matter most to Ontario families.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of Grand River Public School in Fergus. This brand new school represents an exciting milestone for the growing Centre Wellington community. We are especially proud that this important project was delivered on time and on budget, and we look forward to the many opportunities it will provide for students and families for years to come.” Said Peter Sovran, UGDSB Director of Education.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I’d like to thank the Ministry of Education for funding this project, and our staff, municipal partners and contractors for ensuring this school was completed on budget and on time, addressing the enrollment growth in Centre Wellington. The community is excited to have this wonderful neighbourhood school open!” Stated Ralf Mesenbrink, Chair of the Board.
Grand River Public School is located at 39 Kirvan Street in Fergus.
Quick Facts:
- Over the past two years, the government has committed $1.3 billion annually to support new school buildings, school expansion and renovations across the province — the highest level of school capital funding in Ontario’s history.
- Since 2018, the government has supported about 300 school-related projects including child care, of which more than 100 are actively under construction.
- The government has introduced Bill 33: Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025 that, if passed, would strengthen oversight of school board finances, governance and program performance and grant the Minister of Education the authority to act swiftly in matters of public interest.
- When school boards fail to meet their responsibilities, the government has not hesitated to act. Supervisors have been appointed to five school boards to address concerns related to growing deficits, depleted reserves and mismanagement.
| For Additional Inquiries: Office of Joseph Racinsky, MPP 519-787-5247joseph.racinsky@pc.ola.org |