Ontario is investing $1.1 billion to repair and renew schools across the province to ensure they remain safe and modern spaces for students to learn. This investment is in addition to the $1.6 billion in existing funding that has already been dedicated to repairs and renewals over the next two years.

This funding was allocated following the Auditor General of Ontario’s recommendations in 2015 to increase the investment in school renewal to 2.5 per cent of schools’ replacement value, and to favour renewal over new construction for two-thirds of infrastructure investments.

The funding will be allocated according to each school board in proportion to their renewal needs. The investment will help school boards repair roofs, update HVAC units and modernize electrical and plumbing systems. It will also go towards the improvement of flooring, walls, ceilings, playing fields and more.

“Investing in our schools is one of the most important infrastructure investments we can make for nearly two million students in Ontario,” said Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Education, in a press release. “Our government believes in better buildings for better learning and well-being. Making sure schools across the province are in a state of good repair is an essential part of supporting student achievement. The investment announced today is great news for students, educators, communities and the economy.”

To support transparency, the government will publicly post detailed information about the condition and renewal needs of each of the province’s 4,900 public schools. Information about how much of the investment will be allocated to each school board will be available in the coming weeks.