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Province approves additional funding for new Markdale school

Ford government approves additional $1.1 million to expand new Beavercrest School to 374 student spaces
CollingwoodToday Staff
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Last year MPP Rick Byers joined officials from Grey Highlands and the Bluewater District School Board to formally start construction on the new Beavercrest School in Markdale. Front from left: Beavercrest Community School student Don Carmel Mugisha, Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen, Beavercrest Community School student Marika Del Duca. Back from left: Superintendent of Education Lauren Penner Lipsett, Director of Education Lori Wilder, Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer Rob Cummings, Board Chair Jane Thomson, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers, Grey Highlands councillor Paul Allen, Grey Highlands councillor Dan Wickens, Grey Highlands councillor Tom Allwood, Beavercrest Community School Principal Tennille Schultz, Beavercrest School Council chair Jennifer Strutt.Chris Fell/CollingwoodToday

The new Beavercrest Community School in Markdale will be expanded to 374 student spaces.

In a July 19 news release, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers announced that the provincial government had approved an additional investment of $1.1 million for Beavercrest to bring the total number of student spaces up to 374.

The total investment in the project from the province is now $20.7 million. Construction on the new school started last summer. The facility was originally slated to have 328 student spaces.

“The additional funding for the new Beavercrest Community School in Markdale is great news for our community,” said Byers. “This investment will ensure families and students have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead.”

In addition to the 374 elementary school student spaces, the new Beavercrest will include 39 licensed childcare spaces, along with an Early ON centre for local families.

Bluewater District School Board representatives were pleased with the news.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Ministry of Education and MPP Rick Byers for supporting our request to secure additional funding to meet growing student enrolment projections at the new Beavercrest Community School," said Bluewater District School Board Director of Education Lori Wilder. "Construction is well underway and we can hardly wait to celebrate the opening of a beautiful modern learning facility with child care spaces for Markdale area students and families."

Details on the timeline for completion will be announced by the school board as the project develops. The new school will be located at 150 Devonleigh Gate in Markdale.