Public Sector Reports

School Ventilation Upgrades

In April 2021, the Government of Canada announced plans to invest $525.2 million towards projects through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream-Education Related Projects (CVRIS-EDU), as part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). In addition, the Government of Ontario confirmed its contribution of more than $131.4 million to projects across Ontario.

The funding includes:

• Almost $450 million for HVAC upgrades and improvements to air quality
• Up to $65 million to support physical distancing for students and staff
• Up to $60 million will be invested in technology to help facilitate remote learning
• Up to $80 million will go towards supporting health and safety initiatives, such as installing hand washing stations or touchless faucets and soap dispensers.

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) was successful in securing $7,485,000 in funding related to the parameters above. Canada and Ontario’s deadline for completing projects is December 31, 2021.

Approximately 44 line items or individual requests were approved of the nearly 200 that were requested and summarized below.

• Bottle filling stations – 12 locations.
• Infrared water faucets c.w. new stainless sinks where required – 12 locations.
• Ventilation improvements (new air handling units, ductwork), air conditioning where designated, and new windows – 31 locations
• Portable replacement – 1 location.

To view the list of projects, download the 2023 TLDSB School Ventilation Report.

Other Ventilation Upgrades

Air exchange

We are ensuring air is being exchanged, and fresh air is entering occupied spaces. Building fresh air was increased where possible through building automation systems to maximize ventilation rates. These increases were confirmed by reviewing damper positioning visually.

TLDSB instituted “air flushes” of all spaces that receive mechanical ventilation twice daily. Once before occupants enter the buildings and again midday for 15 minutes where outdoor air dampers open to provide 100 percent outdoor air. Systems run continuously in ‘occupied mode’ from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday or as required providing the designed flush (outdoor) air. 

HEPA filter

Portable HEPA filter units are provided in accordance with the Ministry’s direction, which includes schools without mechanical ventilation in Kindergarten spaces and in portables regardless of the ventilation system in place.

Duct sealing

The ventilation ductwork in multiple schools has been sealed. Aerosolized duct sealing is designed to eliminate air leakage from ductwork, resulting in better HVAC efficiency, increased ventilation, and improved filtration. Duct sealing can potentially increase  airflow 25 to 45 percent.

Duct Cleaning and System Recommissioning

School systems that meet or exceed ASHRAE standards for ventilation had their ductwork cleaned and inspected, balanced, and equipment calibrated to design criteria.

Ventilation Frequently Asked Questions

What steps has TLDSB taken since 2020?

• Mechanical ventilation installations and upgrades have been or are being implemented – please see the link above.
• MERV 13 filters were installed in all existing and any new ventilation systems to ensure a higher particulate removal rate and increased frequency of filter changes.
• Duct sealing took place at eight locations to increase (average of 20 percent) ventilation rates to spaces receiving supplied air.
• Duct cleaning and system recommissioning took place at 25 locations and in all instances, documented improvements to system performance were noted.

What is TLDSB doing now?

• TLDSB Facility Services will continue to ensure that air is being exchanged, and fresh air is entering occupied spaces. Building fresh air was increased where possible through building automation systems to maximize ventilation rates.
• “Air flushes” of all spaces will continue to take place as stated in the air exchange section above. 
• Occupied mode will continue as stated in the air exchange section above.
• Ongoing quarterly (or more frequently if required) filter change-outs will continue.
• All  COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS) funded projects have been completed.
• Completion of two remaining and two additional ventilation projects will take place.
• Portable HEPA filter units provided in accordance with the Ministry’s direction and will be maintained at or better than the manufacturer’s instructions. An appropriate quantity of spare filters are available to replace a unit due to failure.