Ontario's Education Minister has unveiled significant funding for the construction of two new high schools in Ottawa, a move aimed at addressing growing demand in specific sectors of the education system. The announcement also came with a pledge to reallocate underused school buildings to boards that need the space more urgently.
Major Investment for Barrhaven and Orléans
On Friday, Education Minister Paul Calandra confirmed the provincial government will invest $77.7 million for a new public high school in Barrhaven and $74.7 million for a new Catholic high school in Orléans. The new Half Moon Bay Secondary School on Cambrian Road will serve the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), while the Mer Bleue high school on Brian Coburn Boulevard will be built for the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB).
Each facility is designed to accommodate more than 1,400 students. In a related funding decision, an additional $9.7 million was allocated for an expansion of l’École élémentaire publique Mamawi, part of the French public school board (CEPEO). This project will create 104 new student spaces and 39 new licensed childcare spots.
Calandra stated that this financial commitment is intended to accelerate the process, with the goal of having "shovels in the ground as early as spring 2026."
Addressing Shifting Enrolment Trends
The funding announcement highlights the shifting demographics within Ottawa's school boards. Minister Calandra pointed to an "explosion in demand" for French and Catholic education, as well as French immersion programs, across the province. This growth contrasts with the situation at the English public board.
The OCDSB is currently facing a $5.4-million deficit this school year. Recent reports indicate that while the board's enrolment grew by over 200 students, it fell 1,130 students short of projections. Conversely, the Ottawa Catholic School Board reported an increase of 1,657 students as of October 31.
Province to Transfer Underutilized Schools
A key component of the minister's plan involves the proactive transfer of underutilized school properties. Calandra emphasized that, under the recently passed Bill 33 (approved on November 19), he can order the transfer of underused English public schools to French-language boards more efficiently.
"And we will do that. We’re doing that in the Parry Sound area. We’re going to be doing that in the Sturgeon Falls area. And we’re looking at that across the system," Calandra told reporters. He explained that when the province invests in schools, it's for the benefit of all Ontarians, and a "real hard look" is being taken at French schools—both Catholic and public—due to their significant growth.
The minister also referenced recent Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) test results, noting that students in Ontario's French schools outperformed their counterparts in English schools. In some regions, Catholic board students also achieved higher results than those in public boards.
This dual strategy of building new schools where demand is high and reallocating existing space where it is underused represents the province's latest effort to manage Ontario's evolving educational landscape.
