From left to right: Crystal Séguin, vice principal, Janice Honey, principal, Ron Ferguson, UCDSB Chief Executive Officer, Stéphane Sarrazin, Glengarry–Prescott–Russell MPP, Corina Parisien, UCDSB Trustee, Jennifer Perry, UCDSB Superintendent of Schools, Dorothy Lee, architect at N45 Architecture, Vladimir Popovic, architect at N45 Architecture, Emma Lachapelle, student, Jason Green, UCDSB Assistant Manager Design and Construction, Julia Teal, Project Manager at UCDSB, and Brantley Barbe, student. (Gabrielle Vinette, EAP)
Construction is officially moving ahead on a major expansion at Cambridge Public School in Embrun, as the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) celebrated the project’s groundbreaking with local dignitaries, school staff, and community representatives during a ceremonial sod-turning event.
The addition will create 427 new pupil spaces, increasing the school’s capacity to approximately 686 students. The project represents an investment of $18.2 million in public education.
UCDSB Trustee Corina Parisien said the expansion reflects the community’s rapid growth and the need for additional educational infrastructure.
“Today is about investing in our children, supporting families, and strengthening our community,” said Parisien. “Embrun has grown significantly in recent years, and with that growth comes the need for safe, welcoming, and modern learning spaces for students.”
She also thanked the provincial government, Minister of Education Paul Calandra, local MPP Stéphane Sarrazin, and the many individuals involved in bringing the project forward.
“This expansion will give future generations more opportunities to learn, collaborate, and succeed,” she added.
Glengarry–Prescott–Russell MPP Stéphane Sarrazin described the groundbreaking as an important milestone for the community.
“Today marks an important milestone for students, families, school staff, and the broader school community,” said Sarrazin. “The addition at Cambridge Public School will provide modern learning spaces that support student success for years to come.”
He noted that projects like the Cambridge expansion help ensure growing communities continue to have access to high-quality educational facilities.
The need for additional space has become increasingly apparent as enrolment continues to rise. Cambridge Public School currently serves approximately 540 students and relies on 14 portable classrooms to accommodate its student population.
UCDSB Chief Executive Officer Ron Ferguson said the project will help the board continue meeting the educational needs of local families.
“We are incredibly thankful to the Minister of Education Paul Calandra and MPP Stéphane Sarrazin for the funding and support of this project,” said Ferguson. “The Cambridge Public School community is growing and this new addition will allow the Upper Canada District School Board to continue to provide the community with quality public education.”
In addition to expanding classroom space, the project will include upgrades to the school’s parking area, bus lanes, and student drop-off zones.
The new addition is expected to open in September 2028.
