Investment part of Ontario government’s record funding to ensure student success
News August 11, 2025
BRANTFORD – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for success in our workforce, the Ontario government has provided the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board with approval to issue the tender for the new St. Padre Pio Catholic Secondary School to create more student spaces and child care spaces.
“The funding for a new St. Padre Pio Catholic Secondary School in Brantford is great news for our community,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford–Brant. “Through this investment, we’re creating opportunities for students to thrive today and well into the future.”
This project is supported by a total investment of $81.1 million, which includes additional funding of $30.4 million. When complete, the project will deliver 1,257 new student spaces and 128 new licensed child care spaces for local families.
“Our government is focused on supporting students, teachers and parents while ensuring school boards are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Once completed, this project will offer an inspiring learning environment that helps students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Our government will continue to provide the resources students need for ultimate achievement.”
Through local infrastructure projects like this one in Brantford, the government is meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes. The investment is part of Ontario’s commitment to invest about $23 billion to support school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years.
“With nearly $200 billion invested into building, our government’s historic infrastructure plan is getting shovels in the ground to build better schools, transit and communities that Ontarians deserve today and for future generations,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure.
“We are thrilled to advance the development of a state-of-the-art Catholic secondary school in Brantford, and grateful to the Ministry of Education for its continued funding support,” said Chair of the Board, Carol Lucinai. “This project underscores our dedication to providing students with modern learning environments that inspire collaboration, innovation, and lifelong faith-guided learning.”
Director of Education, Mike McDonald shared “This additional funding is a major step forward in our mission to create inspiring, student-focused learning environments. St. Padre Pio Catholic Secondary School will meet the diverse needs of today’s learners—supporting the skilled trades, academic excellence, inclusion and faith formation. We are excited to offer a space where students can thrive, lead, and live out the values of our Catholic faith.”
St. Padre Pio Catholic Secondary School will be located at 371 Powerline Road in Brantford.
Quick Facts
- In May 2025, Ontario introduced the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, to strengthen the government’s oversight of school board finances, governance and program performance, to ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students for success.
- Since 2018, Ontario has provided nearly $5 billion for major capital projects, including 169 new schools, 124 permanent additions or renovations to existing school buildings and over 9,600 new licensed child care spaces in schools.
- For the 2025-26 school year, the province is providing $1.4 billion to school boards for school renewal projects.
- The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 includes measures to help maximize capital assets of boards to support building modern schools faster, and better use current school space.
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