School Board Ventilation Profile

School boards are optimizing air quality in schools through improved ventilation and filtration. Implemented measures are dependent on the type of ventilation and feasibility within the context of school facilities and related building systems.

This is a key element in the multiple protective strategies being employed to reduce the risk of viral transmission and support healthier and safe learning environments for students and staff.

Measures to Help Reduce Transmission Risk in Indoor Settings

Ventilation: Increasing the flow of outdoor/fresh air for diluting the concentration of any infectious particles.
Filtration: Involves the use of different types of fibrous media designed to remove particles from the airstream.

School Board Ventilation Strategy

  • Upgrade all HVAC filters to MERV 13 or highest-grade filter possible and change 5 times per year.
  • Assess and fine tune all mechanical ventilation systems Board wide as well as maximize fresh air intake and minimize recirculation air in all HVAC systems.
  • Execute mechanical ventilation upgrade projects in all teaching and non-teaching spaces where required.
  • Install HEPA units in all regularly occupied teaching and multi-occupant non teaching spaces without Mechanical Ventilation plus install HEPA units in all full day kindergarten rooms, ACE classrooms and portables.

School Board Wide Investments

2020-2023 School Years

Ventilation Funding*: $55.4M

2023-2024 School Year

Ventilation Funding*: $12.4M
105 Ventilation Projects Completed 24 Ventilation Projects in Progress/Planned
64 Schools Receiving an investment, which is 52% of the total schools in the Board 18 Schools to Receive an Investment which is 15% of the total schools in the Board

Note:* This includes spending from dedicated ventilation programs, federal-provincial funding, provincial renewal funding and supplemental funding from other Board sources.

Standalone HEPA filter units deployed | 991

View the WRDSB Ventilation Report