FEBRUARY 10, 2021 - BARRIE, ON: Trustees and staff of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) were delighted to take another important step towards the highly anticipated replacement of St. Charles Catholic School in Bradford West Gwillimbury, as they approved the construction bid recently provided by Tambro Construction Ltd.
“This has been a challenging year in so many ways,” said Director of Education Frances Bagley. “Looking forward to building and opening a new school for current St. Charles families, and those that we expect to welcome in the years ahead has certainly added some excitement and hope for staff and the Bradford West Gwillimbury community, which continues to experience tremendous growth.”
The Ministry of Education’s investment will support the construction of a new school that will
accommodate 470 students. The school will also include three child care rooms (49 spaces), including an infant room. The ministry has approved $18.2 million for the project.
“From modernizing our curriculum to revitalizing our classrooms and their facilities, we are investing in our students and giving them every tool to achieve their full potential,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “Construction of the new St. Charles Catholic School further demonstrates our government’s historic investment in Ontario’s schools and our overall commitment to supporting our students and families.”
“This investment will go a long way in the Bradford West Gwillimbury community and will provide a quality learning environment, as well as new opportunities, for students,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe. “Led by Minister Stephen Lecce, our government continues to invest in local schools that will benefit communities like ours for decades to come.”
Board Chair Joe Zerdin was equally enthusiastic about the project. “The Ministry of Education has recognized that it is important to provide students with clean, safe, accessible, and dynamic places to learn. They continue to make considerable investments in education and child care infrastructure and we are very grateful that St. Charles benefits from this investment. It will certainly help alleviate accommodation pressures in schools within the community.”
On October 20, 2020, the Ministry gave approval to proceed with the tender. On November 19, 2020, tenders for the construction were released.