Land Acquisition and Build Approval Process
Updated: February 20, 2026
We have created an additional page of definitions to provide more clarification on each of the steps of the Land Acquisition and Build Approval processes, here.
June 2026
Through its continued commitment and responsiveness to local enrolment needs, the Ministry of Education has given the green light to a revised project scope that will increase the future build’s capacity from the originally approved amount of 881 to 1,007 student spaces. This translates into an increase of 126 student spaces through an additional funding investment of $31,271,148. The investment also reflects the increase in construction costs from the time of original approval.
Total ministry funding for the KDSS replacement build now sits at $57,722,137, up from the original provincial commitment of
$26,450,989.
February 2026
The developer has submitted the land severance application, which is currently being reviewed by Bruce County. Work is also underway to prepare the materials required for the upcoming site plan submission. The project team is awaiting the Ministry of Education's decision on the request for additional pupil spaces. You can find more details about this process in the KDSS FAQs.
December 2025
Bluewater District School Board has received funding approval by the Ministry of Education for the purchase of a 15.71-acre property in Kincardine, bringing the new school build one step closer to fruition. The property location and timeline for completion will be announced at a later date.
The landowner has submitted a severance application as board staff continue to work with the design team, consultants, and other partners to ensure the project continues to move forward in a timely and efficient manner.
To view the full media release,
click here.
October 2025
The design of the school was available for public review and comment from October 8 - 24. Staff will be looking to finalize the design and construction costs in preparation of a Ministry of Education Approval for additional funding for the construction costs of the building. Staff continue with work with third party consultants in preparation of a site plan application later this year.
September 2025
A great deal of work is happening behind the scenes now that a location has been selected. With a purchase and sale agreement in place, both the board and landowner are completing due diligence, including environmental assessments, consultations, and planning work. Our project team has onboarded a number of consultants in preparation of a site plan application this fall once the severance application has been submitted by the landowner and approved by the Municipality of Kincardine.
April 2025
Bluewater District School Board is reviewing an amended site plan prior to proceeding with purchase and sale agreement. The preliminary request for land priorities funding is still being reviewed by the Ministry of Education and BWDSB expects additional dialogue on this approval with the completion of the provincial election.
January 2025
Bluewater District School Board is working towards identifying zoning requirements in order to finalize a purchase and sale agreement on a specific parcel that is suitable for this build. The Ministry of Education is reviewing a preliminary funding application to purchase the land as discussions continue to ensure the project advances as quickly as possible.
November 2024
Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) staff continue to consult with the Ministry of Education towards submitting a Lands Priorities Funding application in conjunction with negotiating a purchase and sale agreement for land to build the new senior school.
Once a purchase and sale agreement in place, the Board of Trustees will be informed, and consultation will continue with the municipality, county, architects, engineers and other professionals to satisfy conditions set out in the purchase and sale agreement.
June 2024
Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) staff continue to make strides towards acquiring land for the new Kincardine District Senior School. Over the past year, BWDSB continues to consult with the Municipality of Kincardine, County of Bruce, Ministry of Education, architects, engineers and other professionals towards an approved land purchase. In parallel, design meetings are underway with staff and an opportunity for the public to review site plan and the design of the school will be available in the coming months once the land purchase is finalized.
Bluewater District School Board remains committed to building the replacing senior school as soon as possible and confirms it remains a high priority for the board at this time.
October 3, 2023 - Business Committee of the Whole
New KDSS Update
May 2, 2023 - Business Committee of the Whole
KDSS - Repeat Design Recommendation
February 7, 2023 - Business Committee of the Whole
New KDSS Update
September 6, 2022 - Business Committee of the Whole
New KDSS Update
April 5, 2022 - Business Committee of the Whole
New KDSS Update
September 7, 2021 - Business Committee of the Whole
New KDSS Update
March 2, 2021 - Business Committee of the Whole
New KDSS Potential Sites
September 7, 2021 - Business Committee of the Whole
New KDSS Update
March 2, 2021 - Business Committee of the Whole
New KDSS Potential Sites
Staff would like to thank residents from the Kincardine, Ripley and Lucknow areas that completed the Site Selection Preference Survey in December 2020. The results of the survey were presented at the Business Committee of the Whole Meeting on January 5, 2021. Please click on the link below to review the report and presentation.
January 5, 2021 - Business Committee of the Whole
New KDSS Site Location Survey Report
New KDSS Site Location Survey Results Presentation
December 1, 2020 - Business Committee of the Whole
School Site Selection Guidelines
New KDSS Location Survey