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J U N E 2 0 2 5 | 87 Divine Mercy Catholic Elementary School specialized learning environments. "Each of these spaces has a personality," Moncarz explains. "Some are tucked away and quiet, others are open and collaborative. Together, they support a range of learning styles and needs." One standout is a cross-corridor zone, including a maker space and breakout area that opens directly onto a rooftop terrace. The design encour- ages movement and interaction without disrupting the clarity of cir- culation or classroom structure. Sustainability is woven into the building at every level. As with all new Toronto schools, Divine Mercy meets the Toronto Green Standard, incor- porating a green roof, bird-friendly glazing, a greywater system for irri- gation, and a high-performance envelope. But the most distinctive feature may be the displacement venti- lation system used in every classroom. "It's a healthier, more efficient way to manage indoor air," says Moncarz. Zlomislic explains that circula- tion outside the building also required careful co-ordination. With the student population having grown significantly since the amalgamation, consul- tants needed to address traffic, bus access, and pedestrian safety. Separate entrances for the school and child care centre help streamline drop-offs, while the building's proximity to a city park offers additional space for recreation and outdoor learning – an unexpected bonus in an urban context. Divine Mercy is a clear-eyed response to a complex brief. It had to merge com- munities, modernize pedagogy, respect the urban fabric, and deliver on bud- get, all while creating a place that felt like home to its students and staff. "That compact footprint, with all the views to the exterior and within the building – it just has a certain feeling," Moncarz reflects. "You don't always get that in a project, but here, every- thing came together in a way that really works. You notice it when you're there." "We hosted an open house in December, ahead of the official open- ing – something we don't typically do – and the turnout was incredible," Zlomislic says. "The kids loved the gym and all the green space, espe- cially because they now have a field and track, which not every school has. There was a lot of energy that night." It's a moment that speaks to more than just architecture – it's about the kind of spaces that invite joy, connec- tion, and a sense of belonging. A LOCATION 101 Van Horne Avenue, North York, Ontario OWNER /DEVELOPER Toronto Catholic District School Board ARCHITECT Snyder Architects GENER AL CONTR ACTOR Corebuild Construction Ltd. STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT Kalos Engineering Inc. MECHANICAL /ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Ellard Willson Engineering TOTAL SIZE 61,000 square feet TOTAL COST Undisclosed P H OTO G R A P H Y BY TO M A R BA N /CO U RT E S Y S N Y D ER A RC H I T EC T S I N C . BBM Excavation.indd 1 BBM Excavation.indd 1 2025-05-13 9:04 AM 2025-05-13 9:04 AM

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