In schools across Simcoe Muskoka, change arrives not with fanfare, but with the quiet clatter of construction and the promise of open doors where walls once stood. More than $2 million now fuels a wave of accessibility upgrades, marking a pivotal step for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board and the communities it serves.
The Ministry of Education’s recent funding approval, announced in December 2025, aims squarely at dismantling barriers. For students, staff, and visitors alike, the investment is about far more than ramps and alarms. It is about dignity, safety, and the unspoken expectation that every individual should feel welcome—without caveat, without compromise.
“These upgrades will open doors, literally and figuratively, for members of our community who face mobility or safety challenges,” said Allen Morrison, controller of planning, facilities and student transportation services at the board. His words echo down the polished hallways of schools like St. Theresa’s in Midland, where renovations are underway to ensure barrier-free access, and St. Thomas Aquinas in Tottenham, soon to see a new ramp and universal washroom.
The board moved swiftly, funnelling a significant portion of the funds into projects already in progress, as requested by the Ministry. But the work doesn’t stop there. A comprehensive audit of system-wide needs guides the next wave of improvements, scheduled for summer 2026—pending sustained provincial support.
At Holy Trinity in Bradford, new pathways and power door operators will change how students and staff move through their day. Older schools will see modernized fire alarm systems with visual indicators, a long-overdue update. Across the region, exterior walkways are being reimagined for safety and accessibility, proof that details matter as much as grand gestures.
The board’s advocacy continues, pressing for long-term funding to ensure access is not just a project, but a promise kept. The journey is ongoing, but with every new ramp poured and door automated, the future of accessible education in Simcoe Muskoka inches closer to reality.
References:
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board – Province Invests Over $2 Million for Accessibility
