While students and families enjoyed a well-earned summer break, the Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Planning and Facilities team was hard at work behind the scenes. From deep cleaning to major upgrades, OCSB schools were transformed to ensure students returned to safe, welcoming, and inspiring spaces for the 2025–2026 school year.
Here’s a look at how we got ready for the first day.
Ready for the First Day of School
Every August, our caretakers, trades staff, contractors, and supervisors roll up their sleeves to prepare schools for September. This summer:
- Every school received a complete top-to-bottom cleaning and sanitizing.
- Repairs and replacements were completed in plumbing, carpentry, millwork, and electrical systems.
- Where construction extended beyond Labour Day, school administrators were kept informed to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.
Thanks to the incredible dedication of our Facilities team, all schools were ready to welcome students back for a fresh start.
Summer Jobs, Real Experience
Seventy-three OCSB students joined the Facilities team this summer through paid employment opportunities. They gained valuable hands-on experience and played a genuine role in preparing schools for the year ahead.
Student roles included:
- Painters
- Groundskeepers
- Cleaners
- Line painters
- Driver and support staff
These young workers developed new skills and gave back to their school communities in meaningful ways.
Upgrades at the Catholic Education Centre (CEC)
Our Catholic Education Centre, the hub for many Board-wide services, also saw important renovations this summer. Completed upgrades included:
- Student Success offices
- Special Education and Student Services areas
- The Boardroom
These improvements support collaboration, accessibility, and a welcoming environment for all staff.
Summer Highlights from Across the Board
Over $26 million in school renewal work was completed, including HVAC improvements, roof replacements, accessibility upgrades, and classroom modernizations.
Project highlights included:
- A new esthetics program classroom at Sacred Heart High School
- A full gym repaint at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School
- Renovated office and staffroom at Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School
- Washroom upgrades at multiple sites, including a new second-floor washroom at Our Lady of Victory Elementary School
- A new boiler at St. Patrick’s Adult High School
- An electrical service upgrade at the former St. Patrick’s Intermediate campus
Portable Classrooms to Support Growth
To support growing enrolment, the Board installed 38 new portable classrooms and relocated 12 existing ones. All were ready for use on the first day of school, providing flexible and fully equipped learning spaces across our system.
Major Projects on the Horizon
As our communities grow, new schools and expansions are underway to meet the needs of our students. Here’s a look at what’s in progress:
- New Stittsville Secondary School
Construction begins: Winter 2026
Opening: September 2028 - St. Philip Elementary School Expansion (Richmond Village)
Completion expected: January 2027 - Fernbank Elementary School (620 Triangle St.)
Construction begins: Spring 2026
Opening: September 2027 - Guardian Angels Elementary School (Stittsville)
Six-classroom addition
Opening: September 2027 - Mer Bleue Elementary School (Orléans)
Initially planned for 2026; now targeting September 2027 due to servicing delays
Looking Ahead
Planning is already underway for summer 2026, with nearly $27 million earmarked for further school upgrades. We continue to monitor enrolment growth and will plan accordingly for additional portable classrooms where needed.
Behind Every School Year Is a Team Building for the Future
Preparing for the school year is a team effort involving dozens of departments, staff, contractors, and even students. Thanks to their hard work, OCSB schools are again ready to support learning, growth, and success.
Want to see what summer looked like behind the scenes? Check out our slides to see photos from the Summer of 2025 and explore the complete list of projects here.
