April 4, 2025 – The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is pleased to share that the Ministry of Education has approved its request for funding to acquire land in Cornwall for the construction of a new secondary school.
This additional funding of $11.9 million for land acquisition costs represents a total investment of $51 million in new learning and activity spaces for students.
The new secondary school will be located on the north-east side of Nick Kaneb Dr. and Marleau Avenue and will serve students from Grade 7-12. It will consolidate students from Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School and St. Lawrence Secondary School.
This project was first approved by the Ministry of Education in August 2017 and the UCDSB has been working with the Ministry and community partners to find a suitable location since the approval.
“This is an exciting step for the UCDSB and for students in the Cornwall area. Cornwall is growing and changing and I’m happy that we, as a board, are able to grow and change with our community. I’m looking forward to watching this project become a reality,” says Trustee David McDonald. “The UCDSB sincerely appreciates our provincial government’s investment in our local schools.”
This new facility will have 1,400 pupil places, two double gyms, a track and field facility and green space for students to enjoy. There will be bright, modern classrooms with designated spaces for technical/trades learning and Indigenous education. The school will be designed to support future growth as needed.
“Families in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry deserve excellent schools so our children receive the education they need to thrive in adulthood,” says Nolan Quinn, MPP of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “Our government is proud to continue expanding the educational opportunities in our community with a new secondary school that will not only equip our children with the skills they need to have fulfilling careers, but it will also create job opportunities for our residents.”
“Our government has more than doubled the province’s commitment in education, with the largest funding increase for new schools in Ontario’s history,” adds Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “This project, once completed, will provide a modern learning environment to help students get ready for the jobs of tomorrow.”
The project is now moving into the planning and preparation stage, which will include building design. This will be the first English public secondary school to be built in Cornwall in more than 50 years. The expected opening date for the school is September 2029.
The UCDSB will continue to update the community on the progress of this project as new milestones are reached.