SMCDSB's final report on boundary changes in Tottenham, imminent
Posted February 27, 2026
Final attendance boundary review reports sparked by next fall's opening of Tottenham's new Catholic elementary school, are expected to be submitted to the Catholic board's Education Leadership Council on March 2, with a final recommended option.
The schools under review include Father FX O'Rielly, St, James in Colgan, Mon. Ronan in Beeton, and Holy Family School in Alliston.
Members of the St. James school community have come out strongest against the proposed changes because the recommended new boundary has reduced the school's catchment area with Holy Family and the new school just north of the 3rd Line in Tottenham, will take in the displaced students.
In the initial release of the draft recommendations, it's noted St. James is serviced through a septic system and not a municipal connection, which creates a population cap. Several years ago, the Board closed Tecumseth North Pubic School because of potable water and sewage limitations.
"Due to the septic capacity for St. James, the maximum capacity of the facility is 399 students and 9 portables," according to the January 12 report to the Board. "Current projections have St. James reaching this capacity by 2034. Any additional students not currently anticipated may impact St. James by reaching capacity earlier than 2034. Enrolment relief is required for the St. James community due to the capacity limitations."
The New Tottenham Catholic Elementary School will open in September 2026, with a capacity of 516 pupil places. Holy Family has a capacity of 429 students and is located on a 4.25 acre school site. A maximum of 12 portables can be accommodated on the site based on current municipal approvals.
The Board anticipates a potential municipal connection at St. James through the infrastructure completed for the adjacent Tribute communities subdivision, but the subdivision needs to be assumed by the municipality prior to proceeding and there is currently no funding associated with this project.
"The recommended option meets the objectives of the boundary review by balancing enrolment and capacity, maximizing walk zones where possible, having consideration for site restrictions and projected development, and following logical divides where possible. Additional elementary schools have been identified over the next ten years through the Long-Term Accommodation Plan to relieve enrolment pressures as the New Tecumseth area continues to grow."
Click link to read the full January report https://shorturl.at/H22Bt
