Emma King Elementary School in Barrie will be expanded with funding from the Ontario government.
The province is investing $6.5 million to allow the Simcoe County District School Board to add 184 new elementary student spaces at the northeast Barrie school.
The investment is part of the Ontario government’s broader plan to spend $23 billion on school construction and renovations across the province over the next 10 years.
Since 2024, the province says it has committed $1.3 billion annually to new schools, additions and renovations.
Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey said the funding for Emma King Elementary School is welcome news for the community.
“The funding for a new addition to Emma King Elementary School in Barrie is great news for our community,” he said in a news release.
“Through this investment, we’re creating opportunities for students to thrive today and well into the future.”
Dawn Stephens, director of education for the Simcoe County District School Board, said the expansion will help accommodate growth in the area.
“We appreciate this funding from the Ministry of Education for construction of an addition at Emma King Elementary School,” she said.
“This addition is part of an accommodation strategy that will support growth in the area by adding 184 pupil places. With this addition, students will continue to have the opportunity to learn and grow in their community.”
The province also provided $26.9 million in 2024 toward the construction of a new three-storey elementary school in south Barrie, which is now underway.
