Bluewater District School Board was approved for funding by the Ministry of Education to support a new growth elementary school, under the 2024-2025 Capital Priorities Grant program. The ministry has committed more than $17.8 million in funding to build a new growth school in Port Elgin.
The new school will host an additional 409 pupils from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 and will complement Northport Elementary School and Port Elgin-Saugeen Central School. As part of the ministry’s Capital Priorities Program, school boards were invited to submit project proposals to address current accommodation needs and pressures. In consultation with community and municipal partners, board staff recognized the growing need to accommodate student enrolment pressure in Saugeen Shores and submitted a business case for an additional school.
Public Consultation
The public consultation period was open from May 1-22, 2026. Community members and families are were invited to review the preliminary floor plans and provide feedback and/or questions, by emailing [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQ's provide answers to common questions about the new growth elementary school build in Port Elgin. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Port Elgin School New Build FAQs (PDF)
Floor Plans
The new Port Elgin elementary school is based on a modified version of the Beavercrest Community School design in Markdale, with the addition of a second floor. Designed to support grades JK-6, this approach allowed the project team to retain proven base design elements while making targeted adjustments to better meet the specific needs of students and staff.
Upon entering the school, students will be welcomed by a bright, inviting foyer that serves as the central hub of the building. Immediately to the right are the main office and staff room, while straight ahead are the library and adjoining resource room. Branching off to the right of the foyer, a main corridor leads toward the double gymnasium which anchors the space, supported by two classrooms along the front of the building, including an oversized flexible classroom designed to accommodate a variety of school-wide uses.
To the left of the foyer entrance, the layout includes a kitchen and a special education room, followed by three kindergarten classrooms, positioned along the front of the school. Four additional classrooms are located across the back, creating a balanced and functional learning environment. Two stairwells provide access to the second floor, where eight classrooms are arranged alongside a resource room and centrally located teacher work room at the east end.
First Floor Plan (PDF)
Second Floor Plan (PDF)
Land Acquisition and Build Approval Process