Construction of three new London schools officially began on Monday.
The London District Catholic school board (LDCSB) broke ground on one new school, while the Thames Valley District school board (TVDSB) put shovels in the ground of two new schools.
The first ground-breaking ceremony of the day was held at 1:30 p.m. at 2770 Buroak Dr., the future home of the city's new northwest elementary school and childcare centre. Once constructed the $28.7 million facility will have space for 807 students with a five-room child care centre for 10 infants, 30 toddlers, and 48 preschoolers. It is being built on 8 acres of land.
At 3 p.m., the Thames Valley board held its second ground-breaking ceremony of the day at 3370 Regiment Rd. where it is building its new southwest London elementary school and childcare centre. It will have space for 804 students with a five-room child care centre for 10 infants, 30 toddlers, and 48 preschoolers. The cost to build the new school is $28.8-million.
“Thames Valley is thrilled to join our government and community partners as well as staff and students in celebrating the start of construction of these two London schools and child care centres,” said school board Chair Beth Mai, “This milestone highlights what’s possible when we work together to address the needs of our growing communities. Thames Valley remains committed to providing quality education for all students and looks forward to the many benefits these schools will bring to the City of London.”
Both of Thames Valley's new schools are expected to open in September 2025.
The Catholic school board marked a major milestone in its plan to replace an aging high school in south London. It held a blessing and ground-breaking ceremony for the new Regina Mundi Catholic College at 4:30 p.m. The $51.6-million replacement facility is being built at 5250 Wellington Road South, the same property as the existing school. It will have a capacity for approximately 700 students and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce was on hand for the ground-breaking ceremonies.