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J U N E 2 0 2 4 | 59 R EN D ER I N GS CO U RT E S Y C S & P A RC H I T EC T S STOUFFVILLE MULTI-USE FACILITY by NATALIE BRUCKNER I n the rapidly growing community of Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario, a beacon of educational excellence rises from what was once sprawling farmland. The new Stouffville Multi- Use Facility stands as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and com- munity spirit. "It was almost 10 years ago that we began the application to the Ministry of Education for a new school," recalls Elizabeth Crowe, chair of the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB). "Our schools were massively overcrowded. We needed an oppor- tunity for at least another elementary school, plus the community didn't have a high school. We wanted to develop a unique solution to alleviate the overcrowding in the elementary and have a high school in the area." With the community's diverse needs in mind, the vision for the new facil- ity also included provisions for French immersion programs and a daycare. After years of planning, the Ministry of Education granted final approval for the construction of the multi-use facility in late 2021. Spanning an impressive 153,085 square feet on a 15-acre property, the facility – which consists of a three- storey High School, a two-storey Elementary, and a one-storey daycare – is set to become a cornerstone of edu- cation in Stouffville. CS&P Architects had been brought on early in the process to work with the developer and get site plan approval. "We started off with visioning sessions with trustees, the superintendent of education, chair of the board, and the director of edu- cation to understand how important this project was," explains Maureen O'Shaughnessy, principal, CS&P Architects. "It's a hugely community- focused school, from infants all the way to grade 12. The design was meant to indicate that." The site, once fertile farmland, pre- sented its own set of challenges and opportunities. Frank Perricone of Percon Construction explains: "The site was originally farmland, so the only challenge was a slight issue with some bearing capacity for the footings, but that got resolved fairly quickly." As visitors approach the facility, they are greeted by an L-shaped build- ing, with the upstairs chapel serving as a focal point where the wings con- verge. "The exterior design relies on a combination of masonry cladding," says Hamza Alhbian, architect, CS&P Architects. "The lighter material is where you find the communal spaces like the learning commons and the cafeteria, and the darker material is for the general educational spaces." Perricone adds, "The architects did an amazing job of breaking up the mass- ing using a variety of materials." Stepping into the main entry of the Facility, visitors are welcomed into a vibrant space that epitomizes the intersection of education and com- munity engagement. Designed as the secondary school entry, this cen- tral hub serves as a bustling nexus of activity, embodying the facility's commitment to inclusivity and col- laboration. "When you walk into the main entry of the school you are immediately in a place that has all those community uses. It's a dynamic space," explains O'Shaughnessy. Here, at the "knuckle" of the school, a diverse range of amenities awaits, including a triple gym, a per- formance commons, and the school cafeteria. This strategic layout ensures that the facility caters to the needs of students, staff, and the wider com- munity, fostering a sense of belonging and connectivity. With the elementary wing extending from one side and the secondary wing from the other, the main entry serves as a unifying space. Inside, Alhbian explains that the use of steel provides not only structural integrity but also future flexibility to adapt to evolving educa- tional needs. Throughout the facility, strategic use of colours and natural light serve as a guiding beacon, aid- ing wayfinding and enhancing the learning experience. "A lot goes into developing the palette for schools," Alhbian explains. "We used a more neutral palette and strategically used colours and accents to highlight special areas, like breakout and col- laboration areas." The learning commons emerges as a centrepiece of innovation – a versa- tile space that seamlessly transitions between multiple uses and activities. "The learning commons is definitely a highlight," emphasizes Crowe. "It has two zones all in one open continuous space. It can be an instructional space or a space to hang out. It really can be so many different things at the same time." The triple gymnasium is another highlight of the project and it is here that the identity of the two schools comes together, with school logos on the floor and identifying colours. Back outside, the Facility boasts a plethora of recreational amenities, including a full running track, soc- cer pitch, and versatile playing areas, blending hard surfaces with lush grassy expanses to accommodate vari- ous sports and outdoor activities. O'Shaughnessy reflects on the col- laborative efforts that have brought the Stouffville Multi-Use Facility to fruition, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships and a shared vision. "There were some really good relationships that informed this build- ing that made it great," she observes. "A real desire to work together to cre- ate something special. And to have that vision built and them now occupying it is the most exciting part for me." Crowe concludes: "The feedback I have received from touring groups has been great. They are amazed at the amount of natural light that comes into the school, which creates such a wonderful learning environment. We are excited about our fall opening." A LOCATION 55 Meridan Drive, Whitechurch-Stouffville, Ontario OWNER /DEVELOPER York Catholic District School Board ARCHITECT CS&P Architects GENER AL CONTR ACTOR Percon Construction STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT Stephenson Engineering Ltd. MECHANICAL /ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT MNE Engineering Inc. L ANDSCAPE ARCHITECT MWLA Landscape Architects TOTAL SIZE 153,085 square feet TOTAL COST Undisclosed Stouffville Multi-Use Facility

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