Province investing $17.8M to expand Catholic high school in Waterloo

A multi-million-dollar investment from the province is set to create hundreds of new spaces at a Waterloo Catholic school.

St. David Catholic Secondary School will receive $17.8 million to add 414 new secondary spaces. The school currently has approximately 1,000 students attending.

The announcement was made Friday morning at the school with Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris calling it "great news for Waterloo students and families." 

“It adds hundreds of new spaces and modern classrooms, ensuring local students are learning in environments that prepare them for future careers as our community continues to grow," Harris said in a release.

The money is part of a 10-year investment of $23 billion by the province into 12 new or expanded schools across Ontario in fast-growing communities.

Waterloo Catholic Distrit School Board Director of Education Annalisa Varano called the expansion "much-needed."

"This addition will ensure our students have access to excellent learning spaces close to home, that support their academic success and faith formation," Varano said in the release.

Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe called the new spaces "essential."

“As families continue to choose Waterloo as their home, creating space for every student to learn, grow and thrive is essential. We appreciate the province continuing to invest in Waterloo – a vibrant, future-ready place where investments make a lasting impact," McCabe said in the release.