Ontario Providing Record Supports with New School in Aurora
August 29, 2025
Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School will open this fall, ensuring students and teachers have the modern learning environments they need to succeed
AURORA – Today, Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora, announced that the new Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School will be welcoming new students in September for the 2025-26 school year. This project is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.
The province provided York Region District School Board with a $67.5 million approval to build the new school in Aurora. This project delivers 1,212 secondary spaces for local families for the 2025-26 school year.
“The completion of the new Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School in Aurora is very welcome news for our community,” said MPP Gallagher Murphy. “This investment will ensure families and students have access to a quality learning environment in the years ahead.”
Ontario is providing $23 billion to support school construction, renewal and improvement over 10 years. Since 2018, the government has approved or supported the development of approximately 300 school-related projects including child care, of which more than 100 are actively under construction.
“Our goal is clear: to provide students with the opportunity to succeed and grow, and ensure teachers have the resources and environment they need to inspire learning and help students thrive,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “We will continue to invest in safe, modern schools while strengthening accountability and transparency across Ontario’s education system to ensure that every dollar invested is preparing students with practical skills for good-paying, stable careers.”
While Ontario is delivering record education funding this school year of $30.3 billion, we are making sure every dollar is spent responsibly and directed to the classroom by strengthening accountability across school boards, supporting teachers, and most importantly, benefiting students.
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we’re building modern schools to support the needs of Ontario’s students, families and growing communities. By investing in new and innovative learning spaces, we’re ensuring students have access to the best education that will equip them with lifelong skills and education,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “These investments are part of our more than $200 billion capital plan to protect Ontario by getting shovels in the ground faster on the projects that matter most to Ontario families.”
“The completion of the new Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School is an exciting achievement for our district,” said Bill Cober, YRDSB Director of Education. “We thank the provincial government for this investment, and we look forward to welcoming students and families into a modern, inclusive and supportive learning environment.”
Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School is located at 11 Spring Farm Road in Aurora.
Quick Facts:
- Over the past two years, the government has committed $1.3 billion annually to support new school buildings, school expansion and renovations across the province — the highest level of school capital funding in Ontario’s history.
- Since 2018, the government has supported about 300 school-related projects including child care, of which more than 100 are actively under construction.
- When school boards fail to meet their responsibilities, the government has not hesitated to act. Supervisors have been appointed to five school boards to address concerns related to growing deficits, depleted reserves and mismanagement.