SMCDSB schools get funding boost for accessibility upgrades

Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Bradford West Gwillimbury. (CTV News/Mike Arsalides)

The Ontario government is investing more than $2 million to make Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) schools safer and more accessible for students, staff and visitors. The funding will support renovations, ramps, universal washrooms, improved pathways and updated fire alarm systems.

“We welcome this investment,” said Allen Morrison, the board’s controller of planning, facilities and student transportation services. “These upgrades will open doors, literally and figuratively, for members of our community who face mobility or safety challenges.”

The Ministry of Education approved the funding after asking school boards to identify urgent accessibility needs. SMCDSB says much of the money is already being used on projects that were underway through existing contracts.

The board says it plans to use the funds for priority projects identified in a system-wide accessibility audit.

Among the improvements are barrier-free renovations at St. Theresa’s Catholic High School in Midland, new ramps and a universal washroom at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in Tottenham, and upgraded pathways, power doors and a universal washroom at Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Bradford.

Older schools will also receive fire alarm system upgrades with visual indicators for students and staff who are deaf or hard of hearing. Exterior walkways across school properties will be improved to provide safer, more accessible routes.

The board says it will continue to work with the ministry as these projects progress and will advocate for long-term funding to ensure all schools meet accessibility goals.