June 25th, 2025

Today, we’d like to share an update on:

  • The path ahead for Elizabeth Ziegler PS
  • Work underway to determine timelines and next steps
  • Supporting Sandowne PS for 2025-26 school year

Working with Ministry and Municipal Partners

Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) staff continue to work through the required processes with our partners at the Ministry of Education and the City of Waterloo Municipal Heritage Committee.

We are pleased to share that on June 26, WRDSB staff will be presenting our restoration plan to the City of Waterloo and the Municipal Heritage Committee for their consideration. We expect to share an update on the results from this meeting in July.

We have also engaged with the Ministry of Education, and shared our proposed next steps and are waiting to hear on funding.

Sandowne Parking Lot Expansion

Thank you to the many Sandowne community members who have shared their concerns regarding the Sandowne parking lot expansion and the removal of trees. At this time it is our understanding that none of these trees are memorial trees, however we are doing further follow up to ensure this is the case

With the removal of these trees the WRDSB will ensure that they will be replaced with at least two trees for every tree removed (View the site plan). The replacement trees will be native species to the region, will not be seedlings and will be species that are durable and respond well in a variety of growing conditions. Staff will select species that will offer shade quite soon after installation.

Next Steps

As a result of these pending processes, at this time we are not able to share a timeline for the work that lies ahead in restoring Elizabeth Ziegler Public School. For more information on the status of Elizabeth Ziegler PS, please see our recent update: Sharing the Final Structural Assessment for the Elizabeth Ziegler PS Building.

We continue to be committed to keeping you informed as we learn more and will provide an update to the Elizabeth Ziegler and Sandowne Public School communities as new information becomes available. Any updates throughout the summer will be posted on the Elizabeth Ziegler and Sandowne Public School websites.

WRDSB staff will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Education, City of Waterloo, industry experts and the Elizabeth Ziegler and Sandowne communities as we move forward to ensure the safety, well-being and positive learning environments for students, staff and families.

We remain committed to supporting a smooth transition for all students for the start of the 2025-26 school year, including the growing Sandowne Public School community. Should you have any questions or concerns about your child, please reach out to the school administration.

To stay informed, please subscribe to the Elizabeth Ziegler Public School website and Sandowne Public School website.

Questions?

View the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Closure of Elizabeth Ziegler PS.