A Breath of Fresh Air for Ontario Schools

Funding provided through the COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

As students and teachers across Ontario return to school, they’re set to breathe easier – literally. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal and provincial governments have partnered to help enhance ventilation systems in schools across Ontario to foster environments with cleaner air where young minds can thrive.

A combined investment of more than $33.1 million from the federal and provincial governments has improved school ventilation in all 72 Ontario school boards through:

• Upgrades and installation of HVAC equipment;
• Maintenance and recommissioning of HVAC systems; and
• Purchase and installation of mechanical ventilation filters and standalone HEPA filter units.

Well-ventilated learning spaces can reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma, leading to fewer absences and helping children learn easier in class. By removing contaminants such as carbon dioxide, mould, and various allergens, and by infusing fresh outdoor air, these improved ventilation systems are helping minimize airborne illnesses and indoor pollutants.

The Government of Canada’s support for school ventilation system upgrades not only improves the physical health of students and staff but also enhances educational performances by providing cleaner environments for learning. With proper ventilation, schools become places for focused study and effective learning.

“Ventilation is one component of maintaining healthy learning environments. By providing efficient ventilation equipment to schools across Ontario, we can reduce the spread of diseases and help keep our children safe.”

“Our government is proud to invest in measures that improve air quality in our schools. The Ministry of Education will continue to provide school boards with annual funding to maintain and improve school facilities, which school boards can use for ventilation-related projects so that students can learn without distractions in class.”

Quick facts:

• The federal government invested approximately $26.5 million through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Ontario invested approximately $6.6 million.
• Over 880 infrastructure projects, including school ventilation upgrades, under the COVID-19 Resilience Stream have been announced in Ontario, with a total federal contribution of almost $838 million.
• Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• The Government of Ontario annually allocates approximately $1.4 billion in funding to school boards to renew and improve school buildings and sites. This funding can be used to maintain, improve, and install new HVAC equipment.
• Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, to environmental threats to our water and land.

For more information, visit:

• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• COVID-19 Resilience Stream
• Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario