New addition with 190 child spaces opens at downtown Oshawa school

The long-awaited new addition at Mary Street Public School in downtown Oshawa will finally be welcoming students in next week.

The project will provide 190 new elementary spaces, with $8.8 million for construction awarded to the Durham District School Board by the provincial government.

The addition was originally scheduled to open last fall but the work was delayed by the Province dragging their feet on letting construction to go to tender.

“The completion of the expansion at Mary Street Public School in Oshawa is fantastic news for families in our community,” said Durham MPP Todd McCarthy. “This state-of-the-art facility will enhance student learning and better prepare our children for their future careers.”

The investment is part of the government’s $16 billion commitment for construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years, with 300-plus school projects approved and/or under construction since 2018.

The provincial government also passed the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act to empowers decision-makers to build modern schools faster by “better utilizing school capacity,” reducing barriers for school boards to facilitate agreements for schools in multi-use buildings such as condo towers, and shortening planning time through design standardization when constructing, renovating, or making additions to schools.

“As a mother, I understand that the local school really is the heart of the community, and that it’s so important for young families to have a school that’s close to home,” said Education Minister Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education, who added that her government “listened to parents.”

“We are proud to deliver this critical expansion at Mary Street Public School for Oshawa families.”

Durham District School Board Education Director Camille Williams-Taylor said the new addition is “highly anticipated” and will provide “increased modern and accessible learning spaces” when school starts September 3.

“We want to thank our government partners and the Mary Street Public School community for their continued support and look forward to welcoming students for the 2024-25 school year.”