The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) has released proposals to balance enrolment and introduce new programs at six elementary schools in the west-central area. Under the plan, no schools will be closed, and current students from senior kindergarten through Grade 8 will not be forced to move. The board emphasized a "no one leaves" option, allowing students to remain in their current school and program until graduation.
Affected Schools and Phase-In Approach
The proposals affect Churchill, Hilson, Broadview, Fisher Park/Summit Alternative, Elmdale, and Woodroffe Avenue schools. The goal is to ensure long-term stability for the entire west-central area. The phase-in will be gradual, with new programs starting at junior and senior kindergarten and adding one grade per year. This "slow-growth" model reduces the need for current students to move between schools.
Public Input and Previous Controversy
The proposals are not final. A public meeting was held at Broadview Avenue Public School on May 6, with comments accepted until May 13. A previous attempt to overhaul elementary boundaries across the entire OCDSB was scrapped in October 2025 after controversy. That plan would have moved an estimated 11,000 students, compared to the annual average of 6,000 to 8,000.
Provincially-appointed supervisor Bob Plamondon stated, "Our goal is to make these improvements carefully and thoughtfully, with minimal disruption and maximum support for students and families." The review addressed alternative programs and middle French immersion being phased out, while some schools are near capacity and others have low enrolment.
Projected Capacities and Specific Changes
As of 2027, Churchill is projected at 41.1% capacity, Hilson at 70.1%, Fisher Park at 74.1%, Woodroffe Avenue at 94%, and Broadview at 102.5%. At Broadview, no changes to current English and early French immersion programs are proposed, but boundaries will be realigned for junior kindergarten to Grade 6, Grade 7-8 English, and JK-8 EFI. Existing boundaries will phase out gradually at one grade per year, with junior and senior kindergarten phased in simultaneously in 2027. Students starting senior kindergarten in September 2027 will have a one-time option to stay or move. The Grade 7-8 early French immersion option area between Broadview and Woodroffe will phase out of Broadview starting in 2034. For 2027-2028, a sibling provision will allow incoming junior kindergarten students with older siblings at the school to enrol there.
