In 2021, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) received capital funding from the Ministry of Education for a replacement school for Banting Memorial High School in Alliston. Since that time, board staff and trustees have advocated for the replacement school to be built on the Banting Homestead and Heritage Park property. In selecting this site, several key factors were considered, including size and location of site, land use designation and zoning, transportation, traffic impacts, and financial viability.
On Nov. 3, New Tecumseth Town Council addressed the Banting Memorial HS relocation, ultimately voting to support construction of the replacement school on the Banting Homestead and Heritage Park property. Through negotiations with the Town of New Tecumseth, the SCDSB will acquire approximately 25 acres of the Banting Homestead and Heritage Park property in exchange for the existing Banting Memorial HS site and the G.A. Wright Field.
"The Board of Trustees is exceptionally pleased with the decision by Town Council to proceed with the land exchange," said Dana Powell, Chairperson of the Board. "Building on the Banting Homestead and Heritage property presents unique opportunities to highlight the historical significance of the site and provide future generations of students with a modern learning environment where they can learn to innovate and pursue their goals."
"Staff and trustees advocated strongly for this project and are extremely pleased to receive approval from New Tecumseth Council to proceed with the build on the Banting Homestead property," said Dawn Stephens, Director of Education. "This is incredibly positive news for families of the Town of New Tecumseth and signals the start of an exciting development in the community."
"Board staff completed intensified due diligence with respect to site selection, exploring all opportunities in Alliston and surrounding areas," said Corry Van Nispen, Superintendent of Business and Facility Services. "The Banting Homestead and Heritage Park property is the ideal location as it meets key considerations for the project and offers unique benefits not possible elsewhere in the municipality. We look forward to working with New Tecumseth town staff to advance this project."
With the green light to proceed, SCDSB staff will progress the project to the design and municipal approval phase.
Quick facts:
- A Banting Memorial HS replacement school is necessary due to the facility condition of the existing building and the continued growth within the municipality.
- Capital funding was approved by the Ministry of Education in November 2021 for a 1,288 pupil place school.
- The total funding approved for the replacement school, which will include a child care centre, is $41.4 million.
- The SCDSB will acquire approximately 25 acres of the Banting Homestead and Heritage Park property in exchange for the existing Banting Memorial HS site and G.A. Wright Field through a land transfer agreement with the Town of New Tecumseth.
