It is an exciting step forward and substantial investment for public education in the Owen Sound area. Bluewater District School Board is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Education is providing 11.75 million dollars in Capital Priorities funding for significant renovations to the yet to be named Owen Sound elementary school and Owen Sound District Secondary School.
Ministry allocated funding in the amount of 5.02 million dollars will be used to complete the renovations atthe Owen Sound elementary school for September 2017. The work will also facilitate the addition of licensed childcare spaces for toddlers and preschool aged children thanks to a renewed partnership between Bluewater District School Board and the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. Board staff are extremely excited by the establishment of this successful partnership, which is a direct result of the board's Annual Community Planning and Partnerships meeting that took place in June 2016.
"We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Bluewater District School Board", says YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Chief Executive Officer Gayle Graham. "This arrangement will allow us to operate in program space that is fully accessible and will assist families in making the transition from child care to school. Our YMCA will also be providing Before and After School programming for older children at this location."
Secondary students at Owen Sound District Secondary School will also reap the benefits of an improved
educational experience. The Ministry is allocating 6.73 million dollars in funding for renewal and renovation work at the school, which will ensure significant long term physical and mechanical facility improvements.
"In addition to the advantages of retaining a school with an already impressive range of learning spaces,
this funding allows us to make several upgrades that will improve the secondary experience in Owen Sound for years to come. We are also better positioned to reinvest in enhanced programming opportunities for our students in these two facilities," says Director of Education Steve Blake.
"We are very thankful to the Ministry of Education for its commitment to invest in a sustainable future for
Owen Sound area elementary and secondary students. We look forward to the many benefits this capital
funding will generate," says Marg Gaviller, Trustee for the City of Owen Sound.
"In addition to extending our thanks to the Ministry of Education for its continued support, we acknowledge all of the students, parents, staff members, trustees and others in the community who have been instrumental in achieving this positive outcome through their participation in last year's accommodation review," says Board Chair Ron Motz.
Bluewater District School Board will continue to keep the public informed as details emerge regarding the
transition involving the Owen Sound area schools.
