Orleans is home to thriving neighbourhoods, growing schools, and families who care deeply about their community. Today brings news that supports that momentum. The Ministry of Education has approved $74,712,140 in capital funding for a new Ottawa Catholic School Board high school in the Mer Bleue area. This project will create new secondary spaces for students close to home, marking a meaningful investment in Catholic education in our city.
This funding will expand access to Catholic secondary education in a rapidly growing part of the city, providing students with a modern school featuring flexible spaces that reflect the way they learn today and into the future.
Why It Matters
A high school is not only a building. It becomes a place where students grow into themselves. It is where friendships begin, skills are formed, confidence rises, and futures unfold. It is where students discover their gifts, ask big questions, laugh often, learn deeply, and find teachers and classmates who believe in them.
This new school will support that journey through:
• Modern and adaptable learning spaces
• A focus on collaboration, wellbeing, inclusion, and innovation
• A Catholic environment where every student feels known, valued, and supported
This project reflects a long-term commitment to families and learners in the east end of Ottawa.
From OCSB Leadership
Mary Donaghy, Director of Education
We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for investing in a new Catholic high school in the Mer Bleue community. This announcement acknowledges the growth in Orleans and reflects our shared commitment to creating learning environments where students feel welcome, engaged, and inspired. We look forward to working closely with our partners as planning and design begin.
Mark Mullan, Chair of the Board of Trustees
This is an exciting moment for families in Orleans. Students will soon have access to a high-quality Catholic secondary school close to home, supported by community, opportunity, and faith. We thank the Ministry for recognizing the need for more secondary capacity, and we look forward to seeing this project move from planning to reality.
Next Steps
Over the coming months, the Ottawa Catholic School Board will begin planning and design work with the Ministry of Education. As project milestones and timelines evolve, we will share updates and maintain connections with the community throughout the process. Family and student voice will be an essential part of this journey.
