Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Hyland Heights Elementary School has been approved for a new addition. 

The provincial government announced in a press release on Tuesday (May 3) that the new addition to the local elementary school would be supported by an investment of $3.3 million including an additional funding of $600,000. 

The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) had been approved to award the tender for the addition. 

“The funding for a new addition to Hyland Heights Elementary School is great news for our community,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “This investment will ensure families and students have access to a quality learning environment as the school population continues to grow.” 

 The province said the addition will provide more student spaces in a new, quality-learning environment for the growing student population in Shelburne.

According to the press release, the newly announced addition will create 92 student spaces at the elementary school, which currently has a student population of 478.

“Our government is taking action to ensure young people can reach their full potential in the classroom that leads to good jobs,” said Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce. “By building a new addition to Hyland Heights Elementary School our government is preparing Shelburne students for the jobs of tomorrow.” 

The investment into Hyland Heights is part of the provincial government promise to provide $14 billion to support school constructions over 10 years. Since 2018, nearly 200 projects have been approved, with more than 300 childcare and education building-related projects in development, and more than 100 actively under construction. 

The province is providing school boards with $1.4 billion in funding for 2022-23 to renew and maintain existing schools.