The weight of years of expectation came to fruition Friday with the sod turning ceremony for the new French Catholic Elementary School being built on Baskin Drive in Arnprior.
Robert Lemelin is area trustee for the Conseil Des Écoles Catholiques Du Centre-Est.
Lemelin says construction is expected to wrap up for a grand opening next year.
The new school will offer a home for francophone students who currently do not have access to French language education neighbouring municipalities in the County of Renfrew, the Town of Arnprior, the City of Ottawa, and in Lanark. County.
The elementary school will be able to accommodate 248 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, and will include a daycare center with a capacity for 49 children.