Rae Announces Completion of Additional Student and Childcare Spaces in Listowel and Milverton
September 2, 2025
[Perth-Wellington] – Today, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington announced that Listowel Eastdale Public School and Milverton Elementary School have completed their expansions and will be welcoming additional children to their new classrooms and childcare spaces this week as the school year begins. This is part of a total investment of $11.6 million to add 98 new student spaces and 88 new childcare spaces in Listowel and Milverton.
“The completion of these expansions at two of our rural schools is very welcomed news for our local communities and families,” said MPP Rae. “As Listowel and Milverton continue to grow, it is important that our schools and childcare centres meet the growing demand for childcare and student spaces. Our provincial government will continue to invest in our rural public school system.”
Ontario is providing $23 billion to support school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years. Since 2018, the government has approved or supported the development of approximately 300 school-related projects including child care, of which more than 100 are actively under construction.
“Our goal is clear: to provide students with the opportunity to succeed and grow, and ensure teachers have the resources and environment they need to inspire learning and help students thrive,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “We will continue to invest in safe, modern schools while strengthening accountability and transparency across Ontario’s education system to ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers.”
While Ontario is delivering record education funding this school year of $30.3 billion, we are making sure every dollar is spent responsibly and directed to the classroom by strengthening accountability across school boards, supporting teachers, and most importantly, benefiting students.
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we’re building modern schools to support the needs of Ontario’s students, families and growing communities. By investing in new and innovative learning spaces, we’re ensuring students have access to the best education that will equip them with lifelong skills and education,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “These investments are part of our more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario by getting shovels in the ground faster on the projects that matter most to Ontario families.”
“We are pleased to share that construction is complete on childcare centres at Listowel Eastdale Public School and Milverton Public School,” said Graham Shantz, Director of Education for the Avon Maitland District School Board. “These additional childcare spaces have been made possible through the financial support of the Province of Ontario and will enhance our ability to meet the needs of families in these communities. We also wish to formally acknowledge and thank our municipal partners in North Perth and Perth East for their valued contributions to these projects.”
“I want to wish all the students, teachers, support staff, and administrative staff all the very best as they begin another school year,” added MPP Rae.
Information as provided by the Ministry of Education:
| Project | Student Spaces | Child Care Spaces | Funding |
| Listowel Eastdale | 98 | 49 | $8,800,000 |
| Milverton Public School | 0 | 39 | $2,800,000 |
| Total | 98 | 88 | $11,600,000 |