Grey-Bruce School Boards Face Rising Enrolment Pressures

The Bluewater District School Board has reported a significant increase in student enrolment for the 2025-26 academic year, raising concerns about capacity at several schools. Enrolment has surged by 236 students since last fall, bringing the total to 18,900 students across 41 elementary and nine secondary schools. This marks a striking 14 percent increase over the past five years, up from just over 16,500 students in the 2020-21 school year.

In a news release, Director of Education AJ Keene expressed optimism about the rising numbers, noting that more families are relocating to Grey and Bruce counties and choosing Bluewater schools. “This year’s enrolment increase is great news for our board and the communities we serve,” Keene stated. He emphasized the board’s commitment to investing in future facilities and educational quality.

Capacity Challenges and Future Solutions

Certain regions within Grey and Bruce counties are witnessing greater growth, particularly in areas such as Dundalk, Meaford-Thornbury, and Port Elgin. To accommodate this influx, the board has announced plans for new school constructions in Dundalk and Port Elgin, although construction has yet to commence.

In June 2024, the provincial government allocated $28 million for a new elementary school in Dundalk, aimed at easing overcrowding at existing institutions. The new school will serve 735 students and include 54 licensed child-care spaces. A site for this school is under negotiation, with an announcement pending finalization of land acquisition.

To address immediate overcrowding, the board has temporarily relocated Grade 7 and 8 students from Highpoint Community School to Grey Highlands Secondary School in Flesherton. This arrangement will remain until the new school in Dundalk is completed. The board has also designated three “holding zones” in Dundalk, where new elementary students will be bused to Macphail Memorial Elementary School.

The long-term accommodation strategy forecasts enrolment at Dundalk and Proton Community to reach close to 450 students by 2029-30, which would be approximately 170 percent of the current school’s capacity of 265 pupil places. Similarly, Highpoint Community is projected to accommodate almost 550 students, far exceeding its 322 pupil places.

In Port Elgin, the province announced $17.9 million in funding for a new school that will accommodate 409 students to alleviate crowding at Northport Elementary and Port Elgin–Saugeen Central schools. The board projects that Northport will have nearly 750 students by 2029-30, exceeding its capacity by over 180 percent.

Continued Growth and Community Responses

The Bluewater board is also planning to replace Kincardine District Senior School with a new institution for 881 students. The province had committed over $26.4 million to this project back in 2020. A site has been chosen, and both the board and landowner are currently conducting necessary assessments and planning activities.

The board recently celebrated the opening of the new Beavercrest Community School in Markdale, which replaced an aging facility that had been underutilized. Originally proposed for 236 students, the school’s capacity was revised to 374 students by the time it opened, following a $20.7 million investment from the province.

Preliminary enrolment numbers can still fluctuate, as the board is required to submit final counts on October 31 and March 31 to the Ministry of Education. These figures are crucial for securing provincial funding that aligns with student numbers.

Meanwhile, the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board has also reported an increase in enrolment, with 5,189 students enrolled as of September 30, 2024, compared to 5,135 students the previous year. This increase of just over one percent has also raised capacity concerns.

Executive Superintendent of Business and Treasurer Alicia Lantz acknowledged the pressures created by this growth and stated that the board is implementing temporary measures while finalizing plans for long-term solutions. One major project underway is the construction of a new St. Mary’s High School in Owen Sound, which will accommodate 1,012 students. The current facility, designed for 672 students, has been operating well beyond its capacity.

With construction expected to commence next year and completion anticipated in 2028, the new school aims to provide a permanent space for the growing student population in Owen Sound. The Bruce-Grey Catholic board also plans to consult with parents regarding configuration changes to ensure that all students are housed in permanent facilities rather than temporary portables.

As both school boards navigate rising enrolment figures, ongoing efforts to address capacity challenges will be critical in maintaining quality education for the increasing number of students in the region.