Provincial Education Minister Stephen Lecce recently gave an update on the status of the new Beavercrest Community School planned for Markdale. According to an article in the February 25th edition of Grey Bruce This Week, “a land acquisition necessary for the new school has been approved and the province is looking at providing approval to tender the project in 2021”. Lecce said the government hopes to get the project done and tendered this calendar year.
The school had been slated for closure after a 2017 accommodation review completed by the Bluewater District School Board but after a strong reaction from the community, including a pledge of $2000,000 over four years from the Municipality of Grey Highlands (to cover the operating deficit at the school) and an offer of $2,000,000 from Chapman’s Ice Cream intended to aid in the establishment of a community hub at the school that would include childcare and EarlyON Child and Family Centre spaces.
The provincial government’s approval covered $6,400,000 for the construction of a new 236 student public school (junior kindergarten to grade 8) and an additional $2,100,000 to allow for two childcare and EarlyON spaces. Additional land around the school will also be secured to accommodate the new school.
