The applause was explosive after an $11-million investment by the Ontario government was announced at the Toronto school, where students, teachers, parents and members of the Catholic community gathered to hear the news. The investment, spread over 13 years, will go towards building a new St. Michael’s Choir School and is part of the Ontario Liberal government’s Culture Strategy, which is committed to investing more public dollars into arts education.

“Musical training helps students to read. It helps them become more creative. Musical training helps students reach their full potential,” said Minister of Education Indira Naidoo-Harris at a press conference held at St. Michael’s Choir School. “It is with this in mind that it is my great pleasure to announce our government’s investment of $11 million into the rebuilding of St. Michael’s Choir School.”

“It will provide opportunities for young Ontarians who are attracted to the school’s strong academic and world renowned music program,” said Charles Sousa, the Minister of Finance.

The Choir School, founded in 1937, has been crying out for more advanced facilities and the cause was helped along when Cardinal Thomas Collins approached Sousa.

“He reinforced, like many others here today, the need to modernize the school,” Sousa said at the press conference.

Bishop Kasun on behalf of Cardinal Collins: "We appreciate the government support that will help rebuild @smchoirschool, ensuring that the legacy of the past is preserved and that a strong future in a new facility can now be envisioned." #catholicTO pic.twitter.com/UXMRjYcpQL

— Archdiocese of Toronto (@archtoronto) February 7, 2018

“SMCS holds a significant place in the history of the Archdiocese of Toronto and TCDSB,” said Bishop Robert Kasun, who represented the archdiocese in place of Collins, who is in Rome. "Ours is a unique partnership that we will continue to nuture for many years to come. The boys educated here have shared the gift of music with so many across the country and around the world. They share it each week at our own St. Michael’s Cathedral.”

“The school itself will be rebuilt. We also recognize the school’s link to the historic St. Michael’s Cathedral. This is why this site will continue to operate as a vital community hub while St. Michael’s students will be provided with state of the art learning spaces through which to deliver their renowned music program.”

The school has about 270 students from Grade 3 to 12 and among its alumni are Michael Burgess and Matt Dusk.