Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team is calling on every person and every community, —students and teachers, parents, school boards, faith groups, farmers, businesses, not-for-profits, local government—to take a stand to promote building a green school in Wasaga Beach to advance sustainability and environmental education. ​

Green School Initiative in Wasaga Beach

• Target School: Wasaga Beach Secondary School,  Sunnidale Road South and Sun Valley Avenue. Funding in early 2025. Targeted opening: 2029
• Aims to establish a green school at Wasaga Beach Secondary School, with funding in early 2025 and opening targeted for 2029.
• Benefits include lower long-term costs, improved student outcomes, and alignment with educational priorities.
• A green school integrates sustainability into design, operations, and curriculum, serving as a teaching tool with features like real-time energy dashboards and STEM-focused learning. ​

Features of a Green School

• Building materials and energy systems that reduce energy use (65-80% less than conventional schools), improve indoor air quality, and incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. ​
• Green roofs and solar PV systems that enhance energy efficiency, reduce stormwater runoff, extend roof lifespan, and serve as outdoor learning environments.
• Naturalized schoolyards with tree canopies, biodiverse zones, bioswales, rain gardens, natural trails, outdoor classrooms, and play areas that promote environmental education, physical activity, and mental health. ​
• These features mitigate urban heat islands, support biodiversity, and create engaging outdoor spaces.

Exemplary Green Schools

• The Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineering School at CFB Borden exemplifies full green technology integration, including LEED Gold certification, geothermal wells, passive cooling, rainwater harvesting, and smart energy management. ​
• Other schools like John Paul II Secondary School in London, Ontario, and Jackman Public School in Toronto, and Nantyr Shores in Innisfil, showcase self-sufficient, carbon-neutral designs, eco-certifications, and innovative sustainability features. ​
• See  the Resources-References section for more info

Implementation and Benefits

• Green features lead to significant operational savings, with payback periods for geothermal systems (3–7 years), solar PV (8–12 years), and green roofs providing long-term operational savings and reduced carbon footprints. ​
• These investments enhance resilience, reduce risks, and demonstrate community leadership, aligning with board priorities such as student well-being, cost management, and environmental responsibility. ​

School Board Priorities and Community Impact

• School boards emphasizes compliance, student outcomes, cost efficiency, risk management, and legacy.
• Green schools serve as symbols of community values, fostering pride, environmental responsibility, and forward-thinking, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
• The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to helping students, staff and communities understand environmental needs and issues, and respond effectively. Boards have a special responsibility to take a leadership role in environmental awareness and action. These environmental principles recognize interdependence, the right to a healthy environment and that everything we do has an effect.

Call to Action

• We are calling on our community to write or email to (to confirm you support the WBCAT Advocacy for a Green School):
  • • the Simcoe County School Board  [email protected]
    • The Wasaga Beach Trustee Mike Foley [email protected]
    • The Mayor of Wasaga Beach Brian Smith [email protected]
    • The Town of Wasaga Beach Council [email protected]
    • and your local MPP Brian Saunderson [email protected]
• Contact WBCAT if you are interested in volunteering to help this project [email protected]
• Attend WBCAT meetings. Stay tuned.

• Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team was invited by Simcoe County District School Board to a Delegation on March 25, 2026, to present this “Green School in Wasaga Beach” initiative.

Summary: Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team advocates for climate-conscious, sustainable school design as a strategic investment in environmental education, operational efficiency, and community legacy, for the new Wasaga Beach Secondary School. Please support our initiative.

RESOURCES & REFERENCES:

• Green All Over: These four new U of T buildings will reach the highest levels of sustainability https://magazine.utoronto.ca/campus/places/green-all-over-sustainable-campus-building-projects/
• New Borden school building highlights full range of green technology https://www.dcc-cdc.gc.ca/news/dcc-at-work/new-borden-school-building-highlights-full-range-of-green-technology
• John Paul II Secondary School, London, Ontario – Canada’s first self-sufficient, carbon neutral high school drawing on solar and geothermal power https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-ont-high-school-first-in-canada-to-become-carbon-neutral-1.6234287#:~:text=A%20school%20in%20London%2C%20Ont,heat%2C%20cool%20and%20provide%20electricity.
• Jackman Public School, Toronto, Earned TDSB’s EcoSchools Platinum Certification https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/jackman/Eco-School
• Irma Coulson PS, Milton, ON – Canada’s First Climate Ready School https://www.evergreen.ca/stories/introducing-canadas-first-climate-ready-school/
• Innisfil’s Nantyr Shores part of school board solar project https://www.simcoe.com/news/innisfils-nantyr-shores-part-of-school-board-solar-project/article_c5f1cd4c-21ae-56e3-8864-62bb42e01269.html
• Løren School, Oslo, Norway – Leads the Way in Green Roof Solar Innovation https://worldgreeninfrastructurenetwork.org/loren-school-leads-the-way-in-green-roof-solar-innovation/

For Additional Information Contact:
[email protected]