Home / Education / Special Needs School Faces Forced Move Amidst Construction Chaos
Special Needs School Faces Forced Move Amidst Construction Chaos
6 Jun
Summary
- Special needs school to relocate for Orde Street Public School's safety.
- Parents express lack of consultation and concern for student well-being.
- Heydon Park has been a safe haven for students with past trauma.
Heydon Park Secondary School, a specialized public high school for young women, transgender, and non-binary students in Toronto, faces an impending relocation. The Toronto District School Board announced that Orde Street Public School will move into Heydon Park's building in September 2026. Heydon Park is expected to move as early as January 2027.
This decision stems from significant construction on a 60-storey tower adjacent to Orde Street Public School, posing safety risks like vibration, noise, and potential falling objects. Parents of Heydon Park students report no prior consultation and are worried about the lack of information regarding their school's future location. They emphasize the school's crucial role as a safe and stable environment for students who have dealt with trauma.
Concerns are heightened by a previous decision to cease Grade 9 admissions for the 2025-2026 school year due to low enrollment. While the board assures it is working to find a new location and ensure a smooth transition, parents feel the move is a permanent displacement. A virtual community information meeting is scheduled for June 17 to provide further details.
