Ontario's government has given the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) more than $2 million to advance priority accessibility upgrades across its system.
The investment comes after the Ministry of Education has asked school boards across the province to quickly identify areas that need immediate improvement to accessibility requirements. It will remove barriers for students, staff, and visitors who rely on safe, accessible school environments, according to the board.
According to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which was enacted in 2005, the province looked to be fully accessible by 2025. However, past reports determined the province is a long way away from reaching full accessibility.
The next accessibility compliance reporting deadline for the board in accordance with the act is December 31, with another coming on the same date in 2026.
“These upgrades will open doors—literally and figuratively—for members of our community who face mobility or safety challenges,” SMCDSB Controller of Planning, Facilities & Student Transportation Services Allen Morrison said in a news release.
Work on the new projects will happen during the summer of 2026 on locations that were found in need of improvements after a system-wide accessibility audit.
FUTURE PROJECTS
- Accessibility renovations at St. Theresa’s Catholic High School
- Fire alarm system enhancements at older schools to modernize systems with visual alarm indicators
- Accessibility improvements at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School
- A new ramp from the parking lot to the track and field area
- Adding a universal washroom.
- Accessibility improvements at Holy Trinity Catholic High School
- Improved pathways
- New interior and exterior power door operators
- Adding a universal washroom.
- Exterior walkway upgrades around school properties.
The SMCDSB says it will continue working with the Ministry of Education as projects progress and advocates for sustained, long-term funding to meet accessibility goals.
