Podium School Feasibility Study

As Vaughan continues to grow, rising land costs and limited space are making it more difficult to build traditional schools in high‑density areas, such as the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

To address this challenge and align with new provincial legislation, the City of Vaughan is exploring new ways to deliver schools, in these areas.

North Toronto Collegiate Institute, picture by Tom Arban

Project completed by: CS&P Architects and Tridel

What is a podium school

Podium schools are facilities located on the lower floors of mixed‑use high‑rise buildings (e.g. condos). They help keep schools closer to where people live and work, while helping to create complete, connected communities.

About the study

The City of Vaughan is leading this study with support from a consultant team, four local school boards - York Region District School Board, York Catholic District School Board, Conseil Scolaire Viamonde and Conseil Scolaire Catholique Mon Avenir – and the development community through BILD, to create a reference guide to help plan, design, build, operate and maintain school facilities in mixed‑use high‑rise buildings.

The study will examine whether podium-style elementary and secondary schools are feasible in Vaughan. By understanding how these schools can be delivered effectively, the City and the York Region school boards can better plan future school sites that support rapid growth and make effective use of land.

Project Status

The study is currently in Phase 2: Background Study and Consultation where important information is being collected through a background study and thorough consultation with key stakeholders. This information will help establish the guiding principles that will inform Phase 3: Design Options which will be taking place in Q2, 2026.