New Catholic elementary school to be built in Kemptville

Today, at Holy Cross Catholic School, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Steve Clark, announced Ontario is providing $18.8 million to build a new Kemptville Catholic elementary school.

The new school will provide modern classrooms for 306 new elementary students and 73 new licensed childcare spaces for local families in the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO), details an Office of Steve Clark press release issued on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

“This is an investment in the future of our children and it’s great news for students, families, and educators in our community. We’re creating a modern learning environment for educators to inspire and challenge students to reach their full potential and empower them to chase big dreams,” said MPP Clark.

“I’ve been proud to deliver funding from our government to support the many infrastructure needs in the fast-growing community of North Grenville, including new schools for all four local boards of education.”

As a whole, Ontario is investing $1.6 billion in 79 school construction projects across Ontario. This is to support growing communities and gives students access to modern classrooms.

“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn… We’re building the schools students need, and we’re making sure they get built quickly and on schedule,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.

“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.”

The province is hoping to accommodate over 29,000 new students and offer more than 1,900 licensed childcare spaces.

“As part of our government’s historic capital plan, we are investing $236 billion in critical infrastructure to build and protect Ontario,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure.

“Through these investments, we are helping deliver new and improved schools across the province to support students, local jobs and growing communities.”

MPP Clark was joined at today’s announcements by officials such as Chris Cummings, Chair at CDSBEO.

“This investment represents a significant commitment to Catholic education in North Grenville. As our communities continue to grow, it is essential that we provide modern, welcoming learning environments that support students academically, socially, and spiritually,” said Cummings.

“We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for recognizing this need and partnering with us to support families in Kemptville.”

They were also joined by CDSBEO Director of Education, Shelley Montgomery.

“Our focus is always on meeting students where they are and ensuring they have access to high-quality Catholic learning environments close to home,” said Montgomery.

“With provincial approval and funding now in place, we can move forward with a new school that responds to enrolment growth in Kemptville and better supports students, families, as well as early learning and childcare needs in the community.”

In addition, North Grenville Mayor, Nancy Peckford, was in attendance.

“A school is so much more than a building – it becomes part of the heart of a community. Today’s announcement represents an investment in young people, in families, and in the future of North Grenville,” said Mayor Peckford.

“On behalf of council and the municipality, I want to thank the Province of Ontario, MPP Steve Clark, and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario for this crucial investment in our growing community. These new student and childcare spaces will support local families for many years to come.”

The Capital Priorities program supports the construction of new schools, additions, renovations, and school purchases. This is part of Ontario’s commitment to provide more than $22 billion over 10 years to support such constructions, renewals, and improvements.

The new Kemptville Catholic elementary school will be located at a site to be acquired in Kemptville.