An update on two exciting projects

I hope the Fall season has been energizing and fulfilling for all students, their families, teachers and school communities at large. I am happy to bring readers an update on two impactful projects here at the English Montreal School Board (EMSB).  

Partnership brings inclusive playground to students  

There are so many things that bring me pride in my role as an educator and as director general of the EMSB. The recently inaugurated accessible playground at the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton schools, where children of all abilities can play together, is one of them.  

Based on the notion that “Every Child Has the Right to Play,” this project fulfilled a pledge that was made by the EMSB soon after the new, state-of-the-art school opened in NDG in 2018. At its previous location on Decarie Blvd., the school’s playground was a gravel pit where only some children could play. The project came to be thanks to the Habilitas Foundation, the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal and Pierre Boivin and his daughter Catherine Boivin, who co-chaired the fundraising campaign. This serves as a prime example of what can be accomplished when partnerships are developed.  

A new housing project  

I am also pleased to share the news that we have embarked on a new housing project for neurodiverse adults. In a coordinated effort between the EMSB and Autism House, a building owned by the EMSB will be renovated into apartments, where neurodiverse adults can live independently. The model also combines communal spaces and adapted services to help individuals make the transition towards living autonomously. The building is adjacent to EMSB’s St. Pius X Career Centre on Papineau Ave. in Ahuntsic-Cartierville.  

The beauty of this project is that the residence is next door to the Career Centre, providing an amazing opportunity for residents to engage in education, training and work placement opportunities. And it makes use of a building that otherwise would be sitting empty. Hopefully this project will inspire others to put empty buildings to good use.  

Patrick Millette of Autism House has provided more details on the project on p. 39 of this issue. Please read more about it, and we’ll be pleased to keep you posted on its development.  

Nick Katalifos is the director general of the English Montreal School Board. He is a father of two young adults, one of whom is autistic.