(L-R) Heather Campbell, Education Director, Rainy River District School Board; Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education; Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. Photo courtesy Greg Rickford/Facebook

Construction is now underway in Rainy River on a new K-to-12 school.

Dignitaries gathered this week for an official sod-turning.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce was among those on hand.

Initial plans called for an expansion of Rainy River High School.

Lecce says it was lobbying by the community that convinced his ministry on a different direction.

“Because of that advocacy and the support of (the) board and that representation of many parents who spoke and wrote and wrote to the ministry, we’re here to officially kick off construction for a $30 million school for children from K to twelve that’s going to provide affordable childcare opportunities for many moms and dads in this community who long to have affordable access right in their school community,” says Lecce.

The school will be large enough to hold over 300 students.

Attached will be a 39-space daycare operated by the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board.

Northern Development Minister, and area MPP, Greg Rickford says it has been a joint effort.

“Minister Lecce was with us every step of the way. And under the leadership of (Rainy River) Mayor (Deb) Ewald, councillors from across the township, an extraordinary district services board, and an amazing Director of Education, we got to where we are today. That’s exactly what it takes, and that’s exactly why we’re all here,” says Rickford.

The school is scheduled to be open to classes by 2025.

Lecce says he’ll ensure that deadline is kept and looks forward to attending the grand opening.

“I look forward to returning for an opening in January 2025 and no later. In fact, the Director assures me it will be on track for the late fall of 24. So we’ll be there. We’re going to get there. We’re going to keep working together.”

The new school is being built on land next to Riverview School.

The space was acquired in a deal with the township earlier this year.