Specifics have yet to be announced, but the province is putting $784-million towards additions, repairs and upgrades at 79 schools across Ontario.

There will be 39 brand new schools and 40 major renovations and additions.

There will also be 27-hundred new licensed childcare spaces.

Ministry officials say location details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Locally, the Near North Board submitted a proposal to the ministry last year to consolidate ET Carmichael, EW Norman and WJ Fricker schools into a new facility at the Fricker Site.

Board chair David Thompson says he feels good about their proposal being supported by the government.

“I think we have a good reputation with the ministry. We can deliver schools on time and under budget so I think that goes goes a long way for what we’re asking and hopefully the government will continue funding us for new schools,” he says.

Planning was also underway last fall after the board voted to consolidate Chippewa, West Ferris and Widdifield into two schools, with Widdifield to close.

Thompson says there will be some news on this in the next few weeks.

Filed under: education funding, W.J. Fricker