UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
UCDSB Celebrates the Grand Opening of Swift Waters Elementary School

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) was excited to host the Grand Opening of Swift Waters Elementary School today (Sept 19), with Minister of Education Jill Dunlop and Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, among many other local dignitaries and community members, being present at the ceremony.

Swift Waters ES is the first public elementary school to open in Brockville since 1973. Construction of the school began in October 2022. This project moved quickly with some aspects being completed ahead of schedule. Ensuring the school was ready to welcome students on the first day of the school year was always a priority for the school board.

"As a parent, I know families in growing areas of Ontario need to have access to modern schools close to home in their local community and that's why building more schools is a key part of our Building Ontario plan," says Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. "Our government is proud to deliver the largest one year investment in new schools in Ontario history and I'm excited to work with all our partners in education to support these vital infrastructure projects."

"With the official opening of Swift Waters Elementary School, our government is delivering on a commitment we made to parents in our community to invest in the future of our children," says Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. "Congratulations to the Upper Canada District School Board and all involved in the construction of this beautiful facility and a huge thanks to staff for working tirelessly to get the school ready to welcome students. We can all take pride in this modern learning environment for educators to inspire and challenge students to reach their full potential and empower them to chase big dreams."

Swift Waters ES has 17 regular classrooms, four Kindergarten rooms, a large gym and learning commons, in addition to an outdoor space with six play structures, a soccer field and open green space. The modern facility boasts several green initiatives including solar panels and electric car charging stations. 

This school will also serve as a community hub for new families to the area, with its three dedicated EarlyON rooms. EarlyON provides provincial programming for families and children from birth to 6 years old. There is also onsite child care with 64 spaces. 

"This has been such an exciting time for our students and staff. It's truly been a historical event for all of us. Being a part of opening this new school has been an unforgettable learning experience for our staff and our students. I'm looking forward to the memories that will be made in this building," says Sarah Stone, Principal of Swift Waters ES.  

The school opened with 425 students enrolled and has a capacity of 504. Swift Waters ES school brings together students from Toniata Public School and Commonwealth Public School, both of which closed at the end of June 2024.  

"We want to thank the Ministry of Education for their support in making this new school a reality in our community, and also thank MPP Steve Clark for his constant support," says UCDSB Chair Jamie Schoular.  "We are excited for this new school to become a hub of activity, connecting students, families and the community."