GUELPH – A new Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) elementary school in Fergus is one step closer to reality now that the province has approved construction and the board has received a building permit.
Board officials announced the developments, as well as provincial approval for a new secondary school in south Guelph, in a June 20 press release.
“As a father, I understand that the local school really is the heart of the community, and that it’s so important for young families to have a school that’s close to home,” stated education minister Todd Smith in the release.
The province first announced $8.5 million in funding for the new Fergus school in January.
However, total funding for the new school will be $18,631,340, “to support the full construction of the site,” spokesperson Megan Sicoli stated in an emailed response to Advertiser questions.
Board officials say construction has already begun on the new school, which will be located on a six-acre site next to a park in the Storybrook subdivision in northwest Fergus.
The school is expected to open in September 2025 and have space for 308 pupils in junior kindergarten through Grade 8.
Guelph school
The new high school will be located in south Guelph, at the Arkell and Victoria Road intersection, and will have space for about 900 students.
The June 20 UGDSB release stated board officials “are continuing to work with the City of Guelph on obtaining a building permit for the new Guelph secondary school.
“Should there be no delays in obtaining the building permit, we will be on track to open the new school in September 2026.”
*This article has been updated from the original version to include more accurate funding figures and to note construction of the Fergus school has already started.
