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Council approves land exchange for new Banting Memorial High School site

November 13, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

New Tecumseth Town Council has approved a land exchange agreement with the Simcoe County District School Board that will pave the way for the long-awaited construction of a new Banting Memorial High School.

Council made the decision at a Nov. 3 closed Council meeting.

“The community has been promised a replacement for Banting High School for many years,” said Mayor Richard Norcross. “It is exciting that the Town could reach an agreement that sees a new high school for the community in a location that respects and can enhance the important legacy of Sir Fredrick Banting and his historic homestead.”

During the Committee of the Whole closed session held on Dec. 2, 2024, Council directed staff to proceed with negotiations for the transfer of approximately 25 acres of the Banting Homestead property, municipally known as 5116 Sir Frederick Banting Road, to the SCDSB. In return, the Town will acquire the existing Banting Memorial High School site at 203 Victoria Street East, as well as the G.A. Wright Athletic Field at 251 Albert Street East.

This land exchange will be complete with no financial compensation from either party.

“Staff and trustees advocated strongly for this project and are extremely pleased to receive approval from New Tecumseth Council to proceed with the build on the Banting Homestead property,” said Director of Education Dawn Stephens. “This is incredibly positive news for families of the Town of New Tecumseth and signals the start of an exciting development in the community.”

While no specific timetable has been presented by the School Board for the start of construction, Town Staff and the School Board will begin work on the detailed site plan to establish a layout that respects the Banting Homestead and studies the traffic and infrastructure demands to minimize impacts on surrounding neighbourhoods.

The School Board is also working with local Indigenous groups to ensure that any concerns are fully addressed.

“Board staff completed intensified due diligence with respect to site selection, exploring all opportunities in Alliston and surrounding areas,” said Corry Van Nispen, Superintendent of Business and Facility Services. “The Banting Homestead and Heritage Park property is the ideal location as it meets key considerations for the project and offers unique benefits not possible elsewhere in the municipality. We look forward to working with New Tecumseth town staff to advance this project.”

Once the new school is completed, the existing Banting Memorial High School will be demolished to facilitate future redevelopment opportunities.

The site plan and construction process are expected to take place over several years.

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