Over the past three years, the Toronto District School Board has been engaged in a planning program to address a school system currently faced with declining enrolment, aging infrastructure and changing demographics. As a result, a number of schools were recommended for closure, with students being transferred to receiving schools. The absorption of these additional students into existing schools, coupled with the advent of full day Kindergarten, has caused a need for extensive facility upgrades in many of these schools.
We were selected to plan, design and implement the facility upgrades for several schools including Brock, Dovercourt, Pauline, Cedar Drive, Alexander Stirling and Chalkfarm. Upgrades to each school comprises new kindergarten facilities, the creation of a Science and Art suite of classrooms for new senior students, a substantial addition to existing gymnasiums, music rooms, barrier-free washrooms, the introduction of wireless technologies and improved security systems.
Not only do these projects represent an opportunity to breathe new life into some of the oldest school buildings in Toronto, but it is also a chance to create some incredible educational spaces that address the needs of the 21st century student.
