Cathy Fox
Published in the Pontiac Journal on January 28, 2026.
SHAWVILLE – On January 19, Pascal Proulx, assistant director general for the Western Quebec School Board (WQSB), presented a proposal to renovate Onslow Elementary School in Quyon to governing boards, commissioners and members of the public at McDowell Elementary School in Shawville.
The proposal represents the final phase of consultations that have been ongoing since September with all parties involved. A final decision on the project is expected to be made next Tuesday by the WQSB’s Council of Commissioners.
Under the plan, Onslow will be relocated to the section of McDowell that has been occupied for several years by the WQSB’s Continuing Education department. Continuing Education will move back to its former location at 26 Leslie Street in Campbell’s Bay, which is scheduled to undergo upgrades between April and August of this year.
During the presentation, Proulx outlined the construction process and the reasons
for the major infrastructure upgrades required for Onslow. He also addressed questions from attendees, which focused largely on transportation changes, including bussing schedules, parking availability, drop-off locations and school start times.
As part of the transition, Onslow’s kindergarten classes will be temporarily relocated to the Quyon public library. Eligibility for school transportation will be recalculated based on new travel times.
According to Proulx, all three schools involved will eventually benefit from improvements in appearance and functionality. Once the Onslow project is completed at the end of the 2026–2027 school year, McDowell may also see increased space and the possible return of a cafeteria.
Onslow and McDowell will operate as independent schools while sharing the gymnasium—separated by a divider wall—and outdoor spaces. Continuing Education will remain in Campbell’s Bay, as the space it previously occupied at McDowell is expected to be needed to accommodate projected enrollment growth due to population expansion in the area.
Proulx expressed confidence that the project will proceed, noting it has received approval from all concerned parties and funding has already been allocated.
Photo: Pascal Proulx presents the Onslow renovation project to governing boards, commissioners and members of the public at McDowell Primary School in Shawville. (CF)