The Ontario government has announced $43.6 million in funding for a new secondary school in St. Thomas, alongside two new elementary schools in Talbotville. These projects are set to create more than 180 new licensed child care spaces in the St. Thomas-Elgin region to support growing families.
The funding will cover a replacement for Arthur Voaden Secondary School, which will feature space for 703 students and 88 licensed child care spots. The current Arthur Voaden building, which has served the community since 1926, is set to close at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The Thames Valley District School Board will contact families by early May 2026 with information regarding student placement for the upcoming school year.
In Talbotville, a new joint-use site will house two separate schools. The province has allocated $22.2 million for a new Talbotville Elementary School, which will include 49 child care spaces for 412 students. An additional $15.6 million will fund École élémentaire publique St. Thomas, providing space for 262 students and 49 licensed child care spots.
