Students will benefit from new, modern classrooms that prepare them for good-paying stable careers
Date June 15, 2026
TRENT LAKES – The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect Ontario and ensure students have access to modern classrooms by investing $1.6 billion in 79 school construction projects across Ontario. The investments will support growing communities by creating over 29,000 new student spaces and over 1,900 licensed childcare spaces so students have the modern learning spaces they need to succeed in their studies and prepare for in-demand careers.
Locally, the province is investing $6.4 million for a new addition at Buckhorn Public School to create more student spaces and childcare spaces in a growing community. This project will, when complete, deliver 98 new elementary student spaces and 49 new licensed childcare spaces for local families in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
“This investment to expand Buckhorn Public School is a major milestone for local families and a vital step forward for Trent Lakes and the surrounding area,” said Dave Smith, MPP. “I am absolutely thrilled to see this project advance, as it directly addresses the growing demand for child care and modern student spaces throughout our neighboring communities. By expanding this facility, we are ensuring that youth across the region have access to a safe, up-to-date, and fully equipped learning environment right close to home for years to come.” MPP Smith added.
The Capital Priorities program supports the construction of new schools, permanent additions, renovations and school purchases. This year’s funding will support a combination of new school builds, expansions and retrofits across the province and is part of Ontario’s commitment to provide more than $22 billion over 10 years to support new school construction, renewal and improvements.
“Student success starts with having the right environment to learn,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “We’re building the school’s students need, and we’re making sure they get built quickly and on schedule. With stronger oversight and accountability through the Putting Student Achievement First Act, we are ensuring projects are delivered on time and focused on students, so that parents can be confident their children have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”
“As part of our government’s historic capital plan, we are investing $236 billion in critical infrastructure to build and protect Ontario,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “Through these investments, we are helping deliver new and improved schools across the province to support students, local jobs and growing communities.”
“We want schools to be at the heart of the communities they serve, from preschool to graduation. We extend our sincere thanks to the provincial government for this capital investment that makes it possible to better support our students here at Buckhorn Public School,” says Paul Brown, Chairperson of the Board, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. “We are very excited for the opportunity to enhance this school, which we know will benefit our students and families in the Buckhorn school community for many years to come.” Paul Brown added.
Buckhorn Public School is located at 1783 Lakehurst Road in Buckhorn.
- addition to the 67 projects approved for $1.3 billion in provincial support in 2025-26, there is also an additional close to $300 million in funding provided through the 2026-27 program to approve 12 priority projects that are ready to proceed.
- April 2026, Ontario introduced the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, that would, if passed, bring greater accountability, consistency and modernization to Ontario’s education system through new and enhanced measures to further support student success. The legislation also provides the ministry with stronger tools to intervene in the capital planning process when boards are unable to deliver projects in the best interests of students and educators.
| Dave Smith Action Centre 705-742-3777 Dave.smith@pc.ola.org |