Minister Calandra and MPP Rae Announce Additional Funding for Drayton Catholic Elementary School

April 14, 2026

[Drayton, ON] – Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington announced that the Government of Ontario has provided the Wellington Catholic District School Board with approval to issue tender for the new St. Martin of Tours Catholic Elementary School to create more student and child care spaces. 

MPP Rae and the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Education visited the construction site of the new school and childcare facility this afternoon with representatives from the Wellington Catholic District School Board and the Mapleton Township to see the progress. 

“The funding for a new St. Martin of Tours Catholic Elementary School is great news for our community, the site is coming along wonderfully and I look forward to seeing the students attend the new location soon,” said MPP Rae. “Through this investment, we’re creating opportunities for rural students to thrive today and well into the future.”

This project is supported by a total investment of $19.96 million, which includes additional funding of $2.6 million. When complete, the project will deliver 222 new elementary student spaces and 64 new licensed child care spaces for local families.

“Our government is focused on supporting students, teachers and parents while ensuring school boards are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Once completed, this project will offer an inspiring learning environment that helps students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Our government will continue to provide the resources students need for ultimate achievement.” 

Through local infrastructure projects like this one in Drayton, the government is meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes. The investment is part of Ontario’s commitment to invest about $23 billion to support school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years.

“With nearly $200 billion invested into building, our government’s historic infrastructure plan is getting shovels in the ground to build better schools, transit and communities that Ontarians deserve today and for future generations,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure.

“Construction on the new St. Martin of Tours Catholic Elementary School and the Mapleton Childcare Centre is well underway, and we are excited to see the site begin to come to life. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for its ongoing support with this project and in helping bring high-quality, faith-based education to Drayton and the surrounding community,” said Mike Glazier, Director of Education, Wellington Catholic District School Board. “We look forward to welcoming students and families into the school next year and working with them to build a strong, vibrant learning environment.” 

St. Martin of Tours Catholic Elementary School will be located at 7 Green Street in Drayton.