After much deliberation, a name has been approved by the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) for the new Kindergarten to Grade 12 public school in Forest, which will be called "Blue Coast District School."
The school, which will house students from Forest and the surrounding areas, was initially approved in 2023 to be named Lambton Shores Community School.
However, the decision was rescinded after community members expressed concerns.
In November 2024, the school board approved a motion for staff to work with representatives from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and the school's naming committee to review the short list of school names for consideration. New names were also considered.
The LKDSB said discussions were held over this past spring and summer, which included a student-centred voting process.
Final recommendations were presented to the board and they approved the new name during the June 24 regular board meeting.
“Our confidence in this decision reflects the voices we heard and the depth of consultation that took place throughout this process,” said Board Chair Kelley Robertson in a media release. “The name Blue Coast District School emerged from all of the feedback we received and we are proud to move forward with a name that reflects both place and partnership.”
LKDSB Director of Education Gary Girardi said while the process was complex at times, it was an "incredibly rewarding one."
“We are building more than just a school. We are creating a shared space of learning, growth, and community that reflects the voices and values of those it will serve,” Girardi said.
Architectural plans for the project have been finalized and the school board is currently waiting for final approval from the Ontario Ministry of Education.
The site of the future K-12 school is located directly west of the Shores Recreation Centre, and is also expected to include 24 new childcare spaces with a two-room Child and Family Centre and a one-room childcare centre.