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Poplar Road Public School

Exterior rendering depicting building entrance looking from the entrance plaza
IN DESIGN
SCHOOL REPLACEMENT

POPLAR ROAD PUBLIC SCHOOL – REPLACEMENT SCHOOL AND CHILD CARE

Replacement of Poplar Road Public School with a new two-storey mass timber building to respond to area accommodation needs.

 

What's on This Page?

 

Overview

Project Address: 66 Dearham Wood, Scarborough, ON M1E 1S4

The existing Poplar Public School building will be replaced with a new school building. The existing building will be demolished, and the site redeveloped to suit the new school layout and outdoor education needs.

The new school building will be constructed of modular mass timber offering several benefits: mass timber is a renewable resource that has a lower embodied carbon impact compared to steel and concrete, it provides a warm aesthetic conducive to learning and occupant’s well being, and the inherent modular construction process will enable faster completion of the project.

The replacement building will provide new classrooms, library, gymnasium, art and science classrooms, and a five-room child care centre.

 

Background

In 2016, a Pupil Accommodation Review was conducted for 4 elementary schools: Elizabeth Simcoe Jr. PS, Guildwood Jr. PS, Jack Miner Sr. PS, and Poplar Road Jr. PS. The review found low enrollment and poor facility conditions among this group of schools.

Based on the extensive studies and consultations, it was concluded that consolidating the four schools into three JK to Grade 8 Schools would achieve better resource allocation and improve programming opportunities for students. The approved plan supported the closure of Jack Miner Senior Public School, renovating and expanding Elizabeth Simcoe Junior Public School, and replacing Poplar Road Junior Public School with an improved facility that will accommodate increased enrollment.  

In December of 2022, the Ministry of Education (EDU) granted permission to TDSB to retain an architect to design a 341-pupil place replacement school and five-room child care centre for Poplar Road Public School.

 

Objectives

Once completed, the school community will benefit from the following:

  • A new state of the art school building utilizing mass timber construction and other low carbon materials and systems, supporting environmental sustainability and reduction of carbon footprint
  • JK to Grade 8 elementary school model encouraging student success by minimizing transitions between schools
  • Improved classroom spaces more conducive to learning and occupant’s well being
  • A fully accessible school with level entrances, automatic door operators, elevator, and inclusive washrooms
  • A state-of-the-art gymnasium with stage and change rooms to support school-based activities and enhance community engagement
  • Expanded childcare space that will serve the community
  • A revitalized site with diverse play areas, sports field, running path, outdoor classroom, and gardens for school and community use.

 

Project Updates

  • March 2025: Project submitted for Site Plan Approval process.

Project Contact

  • For questions related to this project, please contact Sofia Di Sabatino, Manager of Project Development & Community Consultation at sofia.disabatino@tdsb.on.ca . For all other inquiries, please contact the school Principal, Todd McGilvray at todd.mcgilvray@tdsb.on.ca .