The Ministry of Education approved final funding for the construction of St Nicholas Catholic Elementary School in Oakville, announced Oakville MPP Stephen Crawford. The new school combines St. Joseph's and St. James' Elementary Schools.
The school accommodates an academic program for 527 students in a two-story 56,000 square foot facility on 5.4 acres. St Nicholas Catholic Elementary School will be located at 477 Warminster Drive in West Oakville. The Warminster location sits just south of Bridge Road between 3rd and 4th Lines.
According to the Halton Catholic School Board, St Nicholas opens in 2020.
Rendering
Rendering of St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School; Image Credit: HCDSB & SN/DER Architects
St Nicholas Catholic Elementary School time line
2016
- Planning started in April. The idea involved demolishing the out-dated St. Joseph's, and using the same site for the new school.
- In July the Board submitted a proposal, but the province turned it down citing the lack of allocated funding in November.
2017
- The Board re-submitted the application on January 27th, and in June received approval which included funding. Upon receiving the official letter, the board selected an architect and design. Also the trustees approved the project budget.
- Late in the year, the new school design received approval by the ministry.
2018
- On April 17th the board approved the name.
- By the end of May the old St. Jospeh's was demolished.
- Recognizing that costs had risen significantly (caused in part by the new US tariffs and rising labour costs), board staff did a final construction budget. The board planned to use their funds to pay for the additional costs; however, the ministry rejected the option. They requested the school board adjust the budget and re-submit. The school board complied.
- On December 11th, the ministry announced the final approval for St. Nicholas.
“The approval to build the new St. Nicholas Catholic School is an important investment in our community which enhances the resources available to students in Oakville. I am pleased to be able to share this good news. I am happy that the Halton Catholic District School Board remains committed to ensuring all students are supported in their personal growth and academic development in an enriched learning community that prepares them for their future.” stated MPP Stephen Crawford.
More information about St. Nicholas is available at Halton Catholic District School Board