BY PAUL JUNOR
There has been information presented about the future growth of Caledon. There Is a Growth Management and Phasing Plan (GMPP) which was presented to its Planning and Development Committee on November 25th,2024, which foresees big growth in Caledon. It is described as a forward-thinking initiative designed to provide clear guidance on where, when, and how Caledon should grow through 2051.
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, the population in Caledon was 76,581 and 66,502 in the 2016 census. This reflects an annual growth rate of 2.86% an increase of 15.2%. The population is projected to rise to 300,000 by 2051, and tremendously over the next 30 years. This will require huge: social, cultural, education, and economic facilities.
There are several individuals who have expressed their support for the construction of a new school. Dr. David Green, Chair of the PDSB states, “We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Education for their commitment to investing in the future of the Caledon East community. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and this new school will be an environment where: students, teachers, support staff, and community will be inspired every day.”
Stan Cameron, Trustee of Caledon for the PDSB states, “This replacement building represents a tremendous investment in our community’s future and marks a pivotal moment for Caledon East. It’s not just about the classroom; it’s about creating a space where: families can connect, children can thrive, and the entire community can feel supported. The replacement building not only addresses the needs of our growing community, but also sets the standard for modern, sustainable educational spaces-a win for: students, families, and staff alike.”
Rashmi Swarup, Director of Education for the PDSB states, “With modern living spaces and a dedicated childcare centre, the new Caledon East Public School will be a first-rate learning environment that will inspire both students and families. As we break ground today, we are laying the foundation to nurture future generations in the Caledon East community.”
Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education states, “As a parent, I know families in growing areas of Ontario need to have access to modern schools close to home in their local community, and that’s why building more schools is a key part of our Building Ontarians plan. Our government is proud to deliver the largest one-year investment in new schools in Ontario history and I’m excited to work with all our partners in education to support these vital infrastructure projects.”
Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health states, “Our government is investing $32 million in the ground on the new Caledon East Public School to meet the needs of local families in this growing community. By increasing the number of student accommodations from 254 to 650, we are ensuring students and staff can thrive in a new, state-of-the-heart school for years to come.”