YRDSB is optimizing air quality in schools through improved ventilation and filtration. This is a key element in the protective strategies being employed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and support healthier and safe learning environments.
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Classrooms with a mechanical ventilation system have been fitted with MERV13 filters.
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Fresh air rates will be increased to the maximum the system can provide before discomfort.
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Schools will be ventilated with maximum outdoor air two hours before and after school occupancy.
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Classrooms without mechanical ventilation, isolation rooms and Kindergarten classes will be provided with standalone Portable HEPA Air Purifiers.
See ventilation information for your school:
Board Investments
| 2020-2021 School Year | 2021-2022 School Year |
|---|---|
| Ventilation Funding* $14.5 M | Ventilation Funding $10.3 M |
| 6 Ventilation projects completed | 28 Ventilation projects in progress/planned |
| 34 Schools receiving an investment, which is 16% of total schools in the board | 29 Schools to receive an investment, which is 13% of total schools in the board. |
Note: *This includes spending from dedicated ventilation programs, federal-provincial funding, provincial renewal funding and supplemental funding from other board sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mechanical and non-mechanical ventilation?
A mechanically ventilated school has a central air handling unit providing outdoor air to the classroom. A non-mechanically ventilated classroom relies on exhaust fans and operable windows for outdoor air ventilation.
What is a MERV13 filter?
MERV13 is a higher grade filter, typically used in health care settings.
What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. The Ministry has required schools to place standalone HEPA purification units in classrooms without mechanical ventilation, isolation rooms and Kindergarten classes.
School Ventilation Information
Information is available on the ventilation systems for each of our schools.