Long-Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP)

ltap roadmap

The Long-Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) is a strategic accommodation and capital planning document developed through analysis, evaluation, and strategic prioritization of system needs and actions to support data-driven and defensible decision making. The LTAP presents a menu of options and a guiding roadmap for the strategic implementation of Recommendations for student accommodation, considering district-wide opportunities, limitations, and needs.

What is the purpose of the Long-Term Accommodation Plan?

The Long-Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) guides accommodation and capital planning within the SMCDSB. Developed through comprehensive analysis and strategic prioritization, the LTAP supports data-driven decision-making and provides a roadmap for student accommodation, considering district-wide needs and limitations.

It serves as the:

  • basis for proactive, progressive, and strategic accommodation and capital planning;
  • consolidated statement of student accommodation data and recommendations presented by planning area; and
  • summative resource for information sharing with the Board, community, and other stakeholders.

What is considered within the scope of the Long-Term Accommodation Plan?

  • Board’s Vision, Strategic Plan and the Director’s Annual Report commitments;
  • Historical and projected student enrolment;
  • School facility utilization, condition, and capital needs;
  • Location and distribution of school facilities;
  • Learning environments and student experience; and
  • Community growth and development.

How are recommendations of the Long-Term Accommodation Plan implemented?

The LTAP is the starting point for student accommodation and capital planning initiatives. Additional actions are required to operationalize or implement any Recommendation. These steps include submissions to the Ministry of Education, administrative processes, and consultation.


Key Elements

Accommodation Planning Toolbox

The LTAP Toolbox contains tools to support student accommodation and capital planning actions and initiatives. Each tool is linked to activities that form the foundation for the Recommendations and their implementation.

planning toolbox

Note: Limitations on the use of School Consolidations and Pupil Accommodation Review tools remain in effect. Recommendations may include school facility consolidations or pupil accommodation reviews as part of a longer-term strategic approach.

Education Development Charges

Education development charges (EDCs) are a key funding mechanism for Ontario school boards facing growth-related accommodation pressures. They provide financial support for the purchase and development of land for new schools, ensuring boards can secure the necessary sites to accommodate increasing student enrolment. Unlike the Ministry of Education’s per-pupil grants, which fund operational costs such as staff salaries, textbooks, and school maintenance, EDCs are specifically designated for new capital land acquisition.

Learn more about EDC's on the Education Development Charge Review page of the Board's website.

Capital Priorities Process

The Capital Priorities Program is the primary funding mechanism that enables Ontario school boards to undertake major capital projects to expand system capacity, including new schools and additions to existing facilities. The process follows a structured application and approval cycle, beginning with a Capital Funding Request to the Ministry of Education. While school boards generally submit multiple projects in a given year, they must prioritize their submissions. Once approved by the Ministry, projects move into the implementation phase, which includes municipal approvals, site preparation, construction, and boundary reviews to integrate or optimize the utilization of newly constructed capital, ultimately leading to the opening of the new or expanded facility.

View current capital projects at SMCDSB on the Capital Projects Page of the Board Website.

capital priorities process

School Boundaries and Boundary Review Process

The SMCDSB defines school catchment areas to serve students and families within designated boundaries. These boundaries are established through a thorough consultation process involving key stakeholders from the school's geographic area. However, demographic shifts, evolving program requirements, and emerging residential developments may necessitate boundary adjustments to maintain school viability, sustainability, and the ability to effectively support student achievement and well-being.

In response to these factors, the Board regularly conducts boundary reviews to evaluate and adjust school boundaries when necessary. The Education Leadership Council initiates boundary reviews based on Recommendations outlined in a Boundary Review Report. A detailed overview of the Boundary Review Process is provided below and is guided by Policy GP-15: Governance and Planning - School Boundaries and Boundary Exemptions.

boundary reviews

Community Planning and Partnerships

The SMCDSB is committed to fostering meaningful community partnerships that align with its mission to support student achievement, well-being, and safety. These partnerships enhance educational opportunities, optimize the use of school facilities, and strengthen the relationships between the Board, community organizations, and the public.

In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s guidelines and expectations, the SMCDSB’s Community Planning and Partnership Policy (LE-27) establishes a structured framework for evaluating and implementing partnerships. This framework ensures that community collaborations provide tangible benefits while remaining cost-neutral to the Board.

The SMCDSB has partnered with various organizations, including childcare operators and municipalities, to create collaborative opportunities for our facilities.

If you would like more information on potential partnership opportunities, please reach out to the Manager of Planning & Properties at 705-722-3555 x249.

partnerships


Summary

LTAP full document


Area Summaries

area summaries overview map