The Grand Erie District School Board has officially named its two forthcoming elementary schools, drawing inspiration from both a defining regional landmark and a pioneering figure in Canadian education. Trustees approved the names Grand River Public School and Blanche E. Williams Public School at a board meeting Monday night, following a months-long community engagement process.
The new schools—one located in Caledonia and the other in Brantford’s growing West Brant area—are expected to open in September 2025 and September 2026, respectively.
“Each of these names reflects Grand Erie’s commitment to learning, well-being and belonging,” said Board Chair Susan Gibson. “We’re grateful to everyone who participated in this process and proud to see names that honour our region’s identity and diversity.”
Grand River Public School, set to open this fall in Caledonia, pays homage to the river that runs through the region. The Grand River holds ecological, cultural and historical importance, particularly as part of the Haldimand Tract granted to the Six Nations of the Grand River in 1784.
“By naming the school after the Grand River, the board aligns with rich educational opportunities that encourage students to appreciate the watershed’s enduring significance,” said Julie White, Superintendent of Education for Haldimand County.
Future principal Mark Fraser helped guide the naming process, which invited ideas and rationale from students, families and local residents.
Meanwhile, Brantford’s new school will be named in honour of Blanche E. Williams, a 19th-century Brantford resident and one of the first Black women in Canada to attend university under the same conditions as her white peers. A former student at Brantford Collegiate Institute, Williams later attended the University of Toronto, breaking racial barriers in Canadian education.
“With education as the path to transformation, Blanche Williams interrupted racial barriers and showed us what’s possible,” said Liana Thompson, Superintendent of Education for Brantford. “Her story inspires all of us to be courageous and determined in pursuit of our dreams.”
The community-led naming process began last year, with final recommendations brought forward by naming committees and approved by the Board of Trustees. The schools are part of Grand Erie’s broader investment in meeting the needs of a growing student population across the region.
Grand Erie District School Board serves more than 28,000 students in Brantford and the counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk, as well as from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
