Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin stood alone outside the Innisfil Town Hall on Thursday afternoon to announce new infrastructure funding for two Innisfil schools, both located in Lefroy.
Khanjin said there will be $9.4 million in funding, including $7.2 million for an additional 184 pupil spaces and renovations at the existing Killarney Beach Public School on 20 Sideroad, and $2.2 million for the new Innisfil South Catholic elementary school now under construction across the road from Killarney Beach Public School.
The new Catholic elementary school was initially planned to provide space for 401 students, at a cost of $11.2 million. The newly announced funding will add classroom space for another 92 students, bringing the student population to 493 and increasing the overall budget to $13.4 million. The new school is expected to open in September 2023.
“It speaks to the growth in Innisfil,” said Khanjin, noting that planned development, including a new Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre south campus and the proposed Mobility Orbit transit-oriented hub, are expected to spur additional growth in the municipality.
“We’re expecting about 40,000 new residents,” she said.
"We know that there is tremendous growth planned for the Innisfil community and this new Catholic elementary school in the southeast area near Lefroy will be a welcome addition to the subdivisions being built there," Catholic school board chair Joe Zerdin said in a news release. "It is always exciting when we can plan for a new school and ensure families have access to Catholic education in their community.”
The new Catholic school will serve residents moving into the subdivisions currently being developed in the Lefroy area. The facility will include four kindergarten classrooms, 16 regular classrooms, and one classroom to support students with special education needs. Also included in the ministry announcement is funding for three child-care rooms.
Today's funding announcement is part of $656.5 million recently announced by Education Minister Stephen Lecce to support 78 school and child-care projects which are part of the province’s $14-billion commitment to support school construction over a 10-year period.
The investment in Killarney Beach Public School will allow for some internal renovations, but also construction of an addition that will include classroom space and a gymnasium.
Khanjin indicated that she had heard from local parents who identified the need for both additional space and improved gym facilities.
“Fitness is really important for students,” she said, especially during a long, harsh winter.
As for the construction of the new Catholic elementary school, Khanjin said it will allow children to receive a quality education closer to home.
“That means less time spent on the school bus and more time spent on activities,” she said.
“I have continuously advocated for more schools to serve our growing population, and this new addition at Killarney Beach Public School and an added addition to the brand new Innisfil South Catholic elementary school that is being built is great news for our community,” Khanjin added. “These investments will provide choice and flexibility for families and new opportunities for the children of Innisfil as the town continues to exponentially grow and thrive.”
