Walk into a newly renovated school and you can feel the difference right away—fresh air, comfortable classrooms, and spaces that just feel better to be in. Since COVID-19, families and educators have become much more aware of indoor air quality, but the truth is, building professionals have been following standards to reduce viruses and keep air clean for decades. The pandemic simply made everyone pay attention.
Across Ontario, this focus on cleaner air led to a huge investment in schools. The federal and provincial governments provided over $33.1 million to upgrade ventilation in all 72 Ontario school boards. That support helped fund HVAC replacements, system tune-ups, better filters, and HEPA units—improvements that help students and teachers breathe easier every day.
Clean air in classrooms isn’t just a “nice to have.” Students breathe thousands of gallons of air a day, and kids are especially sensitive to what’s in that air. When ventilation is poor, it can lead to headaches, asthma flare-ups, and trouble focusing. But when the air is fresh and clean, students feel better, learn better, and even attend school more consistently. Studies have shown that better airflow can boost test scores, concentration, and memory—proof that healthy air truly supports healthier learning.
That’s why air quality has been a key focus in our renovation work with the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) and the Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB), including recent projects at St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School and St. Christopher Catholic Elementary School. Renovations give us the opportunity to refresh how air moves through classrooms and eliminate those old, stuffy spots.
Upgrading HVAC systems makes the biggest impact. Modern systems bring in more outdoor air, move air more evenly through classrooms, and filter out more dust, allergens, and airborne particles. Many of our projects include MERV-13 filters, which help catch smaller pollutants that older systems miss. We also integrate Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) that save energy cost required to deliver better indoor air quality—perfect for Niagara’s climate.
The real success comes from architecture and engineering working together. When we update the building finishes, ventilation, mechanical systems, and materials all at once, the result is a school that doesn’t just look refreshed—it feels healthier the moment you walk in.
COVID-19 may have kicked off the public conversation about clean air, but the work behind healthy buildings has been happening for a long time. Through our renovations with DSBN and NCDSB, we’re helping schools bring those standards to life—creating safer, more comfortable spaces where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
Because a healthier school starts with healthier air.