St. Mary’s Elora to get $9-million addition
Project should be ready for students by September 2028
ELORA – St. Mary’s Catholic School in Elora is getting a $9-million addition.
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Joseph Racinsky made the announcement at the school on May 15.
The addition will add 10 classrooms and create 164 student spaces at the crowded school, which currently has six portables on its property.
Tracy McLennan, associate director of the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDBS), said there are currently 430 students at the school and enrollment is projected to rise to 500 in September. The school’s capacity is 330 students.
“So it’s needed,” she said in an interview after dignitaries spoke.
The funds will cover the addition, a retrofit to some existing classrooms, and relocation of the playground and parking lot.
Work should begin in 2027 and be completed by September 2028, added Rae Walton, WCDSB operations manager.
“St. Mary’s in Elora has seen great growth in recent years, and I am very happy to see this important investment into our students’ future,” Racinsky said during the formal presentation.
“This $9-million investment will make sure that the teachers, staff and students have the space they need to learn and thrive.”
Director of education Michael Glazier said the board has a good partnership with Racinsky and he’s grateful for the MPP’s advocacy on behalf of the board.
“We are thrilled to see St. Mary’s continue to evolve,” Glazier said.
Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters introduced himself as the husband of Deb Watters, a long-time teacher at the school who is now retired.
He said with all the growth happening in Centre Wellington, it’s important that infrastructure keeps pace and that includes schools.
“Our residents need confidence that key infrastructure is ready for growth,” he said. “An investment like this matters in our plan for growth.”
The province is spending a total $16 billion on 79 construction projects across Ontario, creating more than 29,000 new student spaces and more than 1,900 licensed childcare spaces, according to a press release.
