Information regarding new school builds in Bluewater District School Board will be shared on this page. Please click on the links below for the latest status updates and details on current school build projects.
Building a new school is an exciting and complex process. Whether we’re building from the ground up or replacing an older school, each project involves many steps, regulations, and partners.
We’ve created the following to help explain the two major phases of any new school project.
Definitions: Land Acquisition Process
Before we can build a school, we need land that’s safe, suitable, and approved.
These steps do not always happen in a set order. Some occur simultaneously, and others may depend on others or need to wait for third-party approvals.
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Step
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What It Means
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The school board identifies the preferred site.
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B. Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) Signed
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The board and landowner agree on a sale, pending conditions.
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The land must be appropriately zoned for school use (municipal process).
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If the land is part of a larger parcel, it must be legally separated.
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May include, but not limited to environmental assessments, soil testing, and servicing evaluations are completed.
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F. Land Funding Request Submitted to Ministry
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The board applies for funding from the Ministry of Education to buy the land.
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The Ministry approves funding to complete the purchase.
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H. Conditions Met & PSA Finalized
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All sale conditions are fulfilled, and the land becomes board property.
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Definitions: Build Approval Process
While the land is being secured, we can begin the detailed design and construction planning process, while some steps need to wait until the Land Acquisition Process is completed.
These steps generally happen in order and require Ministry approval at key milestones.
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Step
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What It Means
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1. Design Team Procurement
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Architects and engineers are selected through a public process.
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Early concepts for the school layout are created.
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The team consults with school staff, students, and community members.
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4. Preliminary Cost Evaluation
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Early construction cost estimates are developed.
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5. Ministry Approval to Proceed
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The Ministry reviews and approves the design and cost plan.
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The board posts a public tender to select a construction company.
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A builder is chosen and construction timelines are finalized.
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