Local MPPs call on province to invest in aging schools after closure of Elizabeth Ziegler

A pair of local MPPs have called on Ontario's education minister to make infrastructure investments to deteriorating schools in Waterloo region.  

Kitchener Centre MPP Aislinn Clancy and Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife penned the letter requesting the Minister of Education Paul Calandra review and adjust the inflexible funding formula for school infrastructure. 

This comes after Waterloo's Elizabeth Ziegler Public School remains closed for the 2025-26 year over safety concerns with the building.

The school initially closed on March 4 when a large piece of concrete fell from the facade of the nearly 100-year-old school. 

Fife and Clancy's letter also calls for Calandra to reimburse the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) because of the state of the school.

"The closure has highlighted broader issues with the current state of school infrastructure funding, particularly how the school renewal fund is outdated and inadequate to meet the needs of our aging schools," said the MPPs in a media release Friday.

According to the letter, roughly 45 per cent of schools in the area are not currently in good condition.

In a report from December 2024, the inancial Accountability Office (FAO) in Ontario revealed 55 out of 123 public schools under the WRDSB are below a "state of good repair" (SOGR).

"Investing in school infrastructure not only addresses safety concerns but also serves as a job creator and economic stabilizer, especially in these uncertain times," the letter reads. 

Clancy added she appreciates Fife's collaboration on the matter and they will continue to address the concern when they return to Queen's Park.

"I'm really looking to this budget to make sure these gaps in funding are addressed," Clancy told CBC News. 

"It's not just a one-off so I just want to say that, unfortunately, what happened at Elizabeth Ziegler has led to a lot of stress."

In an email to CBC News, a spokesperson for Calandra said the provincial government "has more than doubled school infrastructure funding to $1.3 billion to build new and expanded schools."

"In addition, we are providing $1.4 billion annually for school boards to address school renewal needs and keep schools in a state of good repair. While the ministry provides renewal funding, school boards own and operate their schools. It is the board's responsibility to determine how to allocate this funding to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for their students," the email said.