MPP Paul Vickers Excited to see New Elementary School in Markdale Open its Doors
June 5, 2025
For Immediate Release – June 5th, 2025
MARKDALE – Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers is excited to see a new K-8 elementary school facility open its doors to the public. The Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) hosted a grand opening ceremony this afternoon to showcase the new Beavercrest Community School facility to community leaders.
“This is an exciting day for the community of Markdale,” noted MPP Vickers, the first-term Member of Provincial Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “This new facility is impressive. I am pleased to see our government support this growing community with this new state-of-the-art elementary school.”
MPP Vickers also added that he is thankful to the Ministry of Education for seeing the need to invest and open new schools in Ontario’s rural communities. “As government, it is always important to think about what your legacy will go down as when you make big decisions. I am pleased that ours will be supporting rural schools, communities, and families,” stated Vickers.
The new Beavercrest Community School has capacity to accommodate 374 pupils and was made possible through a $20.7-million investment from the Province of Ontario. The new school opened its doors to students on March 17th. The facility also includes an on-site childcare and EarlyON center to help meet the growing demand for childcare services locally.
This investment represents one of many in growing communities across Bruce and Grey counties, including a new elementary school facility in Dundalk. That facility is tentatively scheduled to open its doors in 2027.
QUOTES:
“This celebratory occasion marks the start of an exciting chapter for the Markdale area. The new Beavercrest Community School is already benefiting our students, staff, and families through its modernized features and learning environment. We are thrilled to officially open the doors and look forward to the new memories that will be created for current and future students, staff, and families.”
Lori Wilder – Director of Education, BWDSB
“It is wonderful to be part of this historical day for our board as we cut the ribbon for the new Beavercrest Community School. We are thankful to the Ministry of Education for the substantial funding investment towards this project, our current and former local MPPs for their staunch advocacy, municipal and community partners, local businesses, and families. Our board staff, trustees past and present, and contractors also deserve thanks as the action agents who saw this project through from start to finish.”
Jane Thomson – Chair, BWDSB
“Opening a school is not just about bricks and mortar—it is about building dreams, nurturing minds, and shaping the future. As principal, I am honoured to lead this journey of growth, learning, and endless possibility. A lot of planning has taken place to create an inclusive, state-of-the-art environment for all students. The old building will be missed but student learning and a continued sense of community and belonging will be fostered in the new school.”
Tennille Schultz – Principal, Beavercrest Community School (BWDSB)
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Graham Taylor | Office of Paul Vickers, MPP | paul.vickers@pc.ola.org | www.paulvickersmpp.ca