UCDSB Plans to Invest $12.2M in Sports & Sports Infrastructure

Brockville – As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance student mental health, physical health and sense of belonging, the Upper Canada District School Board plans to invest $10.4 million in sports infrastructure updates and $1.8 million in the All-In Sports initiative.

The UCDSB is already working to enhance quality health and physical education, and access to sporting programs for all students. The UCDSB is creating new staff resources and development opportunities, and creating community partnerships through the All-In Sports initiative with the goal of increasing student participation in sports and activities.

With this as a driving factor, the UCDSB has developed a multi-year plan to upgrade and grow our athletic facilities at our secondary schools. We want to ensure that all schools and student athletes in each region of our district have proximal access to suitable competitive facilities to participate in sporting events. These facilities will support all students in enhancing their access to sports.

Our goal over the next five years, based on funding and site feasibility, is to have all secondary school facilities meet minimum requirements for hosting regional competitions, add three Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (EOSSAA)-level facilities and two Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA)-level facilities.

“Having local facilities where student athletes of all ages, not just high school students, can come together to learn new sports and test their skills through competition, will hopefully instill a life-long interest in physical activity in our students,” says Chair Jamie Schoular. “As a Board member, a parent and a community coach, this is exciting news and I’m proud that we are able to provide this opportunity to our students.”

“As a past principal and community sports coach, I saw how being involved in regular physical activity helped kids in all areas of life. Not all kids want to play competitive team sports, but all kids should have the opportunity to try new sports and activities. Finding ways to keep kids active is important, and I think this All-In Sports initiative and these infrastructure upgrades are excellent ways to ensure we’re doing what we can to help students lead healthy, active lives,” adds Trustee John Danaher.

This is the largest single investment that the UCDSB has made in sports and sports programming. The first projects will begin this summer at Gananoque Secondary School and Carleton Place High School, with both schools seeing upgrades to their existing facilities. We will continue to update the community as projects progress.