Trustees with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) have approved the Board’s Long-Term Program & Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS).

The strategy, which outlines program and student accommodation studies to be conducted over the next ten years, allows the TDSB to develop plans to balance enrolment and increase access to programs and opportunities for all students.

Demographic changes and new developments have put substantial pressure on local schools in high-density areas across the city, forcing the TDSB to adopt different accommodation strategies for managing enrolment growth. These include redirecting students from new residential developments to other TDSB schools located outside the area, the use of portables, and program and school boundary changes.

Putting additional pressure on the TDSB is the fact that while other school boards in Ontario are allowed to collect Education Development Charges (EDCs), the TDSB does not qualify, which puts it at a disadvantage. The TDSB continues direct discussions with the Ontario Government as well as legal proceedings challenging the EDCs regulation (Ontario Reg. 20/98) which does not permit it to collect these critical funds.

In order to ensure all students have equitable access to programs and schools, the TDSB is also conducting a Secondary Program Review.

Quick Facts

• The Long-Term Program & Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS) is updated annually and presented to the Board of Trustees for approval.
• Without restrictions found in Section 10 of Ontario Reg. 20/98, the TDSB would qualify for EDCs and generate revenue of approx. $400 million over the next 15 years.

“In a city that is constantly changing, long-term planning and adaptability is critical. By identifying gaps and needs across the Board now and in the future, we can better support students and ensure they have access to great programs and opportunities.” - Robin Pilkey, Chair, TDSB

“Our students deserve access to a variety of programs and schools. By reviewing our Long-Term Program & Accommodation Strategy annually, we can provide great schools for all students across the Board.” - John Malloy, Director, TDSB

For more information, please contact:

Ryan Bird
Media Relations, TDSB
416-540-4449, ryan.bird@tdsb.on.ca