News Release - Council Approves Land Exchange for New Banting Memorial High School Site

News Release Date: November 4, 2025 

Council Approves Land Exchange for New Banting Memorial High School Site

NEW TECUMSETH, ON – At the November 3, 2025, Council meeting, Council approved a land exchange agreement with the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB), paving the way for the relocation and construction of a new Banting Memorial High School.

“The community has been promised a replacement for Banting High School for many years,” said Mayor Richard Norcross. “It is exciting that the Town could reach an agreement that sees a new high school for the community in a location that respects and can enhance the important legacy of Sir Fredrick Banting and his historic homestead.”

At the Committee of the Whole Closed Session held on December 2, 2024, Council directed staff to proceed with negotiations for the transfer of approximately 25 acres of the Banting Homestead property, municipally known as 5116 Sir Frederick Banting Road, to the SCDSB. In return, the Town will acquire the existing Banting Memorial High School site at 203 Victoria Street East and the G.A. Wright Athletic Field at 251 Albert Street East. This land exchange will be completed with no financial compensation from either party.

“Staff and trustees advocated strongly for this project and are extremely pleased to receive approval from New Tecumseth Council to proceed with the build on the Banting Homestead property,” said Dawn Stephens, Director of Education. “This is incredibly positive news for families of the Town of New Tecumseth and signals the start of an exciting development in the community.”

While no specific timetable has been presented by the School Board for the start of construction, Town Staff and the School Board will begin work on the detailed Site Plan to establish a layout that respects the Banting Homestead and studies the traffic and infrastructure demands to minimize impacts on surrounding neighbourhoods. The School Board is also working with local Indigenous groups to ensure concerns, if any, are fully addressed.

“Board staff completed intensified due diligence with respect to site selection, exploring all opportunities in Alliston and surrounding areas,” said Corry Van Nispen, Superintendent of Business and Facility Services. “The Banting Homestead and Heritage Park property is the ideal location as it meets key considerations for the project and offers unique benefits not possible elsewhere in the municipality. We look forward to working with New Tecumseth town staff to advance this project.”

Once the new site is vacated, the existing Banting Memorial High School will be swiftly demolished to facilitate future redevelopment opportunities.

The site plan and construction process are expected to take place over the next several years.

Image: Proposed public secondary school site, 25 acres

                                                                                             -       30      -

Media Contact:
Julia Jackson
Manager, Corporate Communications
Town of New Tecumseth
communications@newtecumseth.ca
newtecumseth.ca