Grand River Elementary School

Rising along the Grand River corridor in Fergus, Grand River Elementary School reflects a community in motion, young families settling in, neighbourhoods expanding, and a shared commitment to creating spaces where students can learn and grow close to home. The new school introduces a forward-looking model of education that balances thoughtful design, energy performance, and flexibility for the future.

Delivered through Infrastructure Ontario’s Rapid School Pilot Project, Grand River Elementary is part of a provincial initiative to accelerate the creation of much-needed learning spaces in Ontario’s fastest-growing regions. The program focuses on streamlined approvals, adaptable design standards, and efficient construction delivery to bring high-quality schools online in record time.

The two-storey, 38,000 sq. ft. facility accommodates 308 students within twelve classrooms and two dedicated Kindergarten rooms, all surrounding a central gymnasium. This organization minimizes energy consumption by consolidating HVAC systems and creates a bright, cohesive interior where movement and interaction feel natural. Large windows and clear sightlines promote supervision, safety, and access to daylight throughout the day.

From its earliest planning stages, the school was designed with long-term adaptability in mind. Infrastructure and service tie-ins allow for an additional twelve classrooms to be added as community growth continues, protecting the Board’s investment and ensuring smooth expansion without major disruption.

Grand River Elementary School embodies the success of the Rapid Build Pilot—an example of how collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Infrastructure Ontario, and local school boards can result in efficient, sustainable, and inspiring environments for Ontario’s next generation of learners.