Representing a total provincial investment of $14.98 million, this project will establish a modern, fully accessible K–8 facility designed to serve as a central hub for education and early learning in South Bruce. The funding allocation includes $13.33 million for the school facility and $1.65 million specifically dedicated to the creation of a two-room childcare centre.
“We’re building the schools 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,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.
The current Sacred Heart facility is operating at 137.5% capacity—housing 198 students in a space built for 144. With a 36% growth rate over the last five years and enrollment projected to reach 262 students by 2034, the new facility is a critical priority for the region.
“Our current school site is landlocked, preventing expansion and limiting our ability to provide a fully accessible environment for all students,” said Lori Di Castri, Chair of the Board. “This new build, supported by the province, is an urgent necessity to ensure our students have the space they need to grow and thrive”.
The state-of-the-art facility will be situated on a 4.8-acre board-owned site that is already shovel-ready. It will provide 245 pupil spaces for students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8. To support local families, the project also includes 39 new licensed childcare spaces, specifically designed for 15 toddlers and 24 preschoolers. Construction will take place on a new site, meaning there will be no disruption to daily learning; students will remain at the existing Sacred Heart building until the new facility is complete.
The success of this proposal was bolstered by strong local support. The Municipality of South Bruce and Mayor Mark Goetz have been integral partners, with plans for a shared-use agreement for the site’s soccer field. Bruce County has identified this childcare expansion as a top priority for the region.
“This investment is a significant step forward for families in Mildmay and the surrounding region,” said Claire Dodds, commissioner of community development for Bruce County. “The new school and child care centre will not only respond to current capacity but will also support long-term community growth by creating modern, accessible learning and early years spaces”. Bruce County is proud to partner with the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board and the Municipality of South Bruce on a project that strengthens our communities and improves outcomes for children and families.”
“This project is a testament to what we can achieve when the government, school boards, and municipalities work together,” said Karyn Bruneel, Director of Education. “By moving to a larger, accessible site, we are securing the long-term future of Catholic education in Mildmay.”
Construction is planned to move forward efficiently, with a target opening date of September 2029 for the 2029–30 school year.