The Grand Erie District School Board’s decision to phase out Tollgate Technological Skills Centre has ignited a wave of concern and opposition within the Brantford community.
The plan, which involves ceasing Grade 9 admissions to the school beginning in September 2025, has been positioned by the Board as part of a broader initiative to modernize and align its programs with the Ontario curriculum. However, many in the community see the move as a significant loss for students who rely on Tollgate’s unique educational model.
Ryan Strang, Senior Manager of Communications and Community Relations for the Board, explained the rationale behind the decision. “The Secondary School Program Review aimed to enhance student opportunities within Grand Erie by supporting all pathways for graduation, ensuring programs are aligned with the updated Ontario curriculum to meet students’ needs,” he said.
Strang emphasized that the specialized programming offered at Tollgate is available at other high schools across the district, and students will continue to have access to a wide variety of elective courses in areas like Arts, Business, Family Studies, and Technological Education.
The Board also highlighted its commitment to technical and vocational education, pointing to the 18 Specialist High Skills Major programs offered at schools throughout the district. These programs, they argue, ensure that students interested in skilled trades and other sectors have access to diverse opportunities. “We are committed to providing exceptional educational experiences that prepare our students for success now and into the future,” Strang said.
Despite these assurances, a petition organized by concerned community members paints a very different picture of the impact this decision will have. For many students in Brantford, Tollgate Technical Skills Centre is more than just a school—it is a critical resource for those who thrive in hands-on learning environments or require additional support not typically available in traditional classrooms. The petition underscores the essential role Tollgate plays in serving children with special needs and those whose future career paths are deeply tied to technical and vocational training.
“For many students, Tollgate is a lifeline,” the petition states. “The unique model of education provided by Tollgate Technical Skills Centre is essential in our diverse community, filling a gap that no other school in the local area can.” The community argues that the planned closure disregards the pressing need for skilled trades workers and fails to address the unique educational requirements of many local students.
The petition calls on the Board to reverse its decision, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and investing in diverse educational models. “Education is not ‘one size fits all,’” it argues. “By providing extra support and an alternative learning environment, Tollgate enables students to realize their full potential, which traditional schooling methods may not always accommodate.”
As the deadline for the closure approaches, the Board faces mounting pressure to address these concerns. While it insists the decision was part of a thoughtful process to enhance overall student opportunities, the community remains unconvinced. The future of Tollgate Technical Skills Centre now hangs in the balance, with its supporters determined to fight for the institution’s continued existence.
