Construction Delays Plague Accessible Playground at Sunny View Public School
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Parents of students with complex needs say a lack of communication and slow progress have left children without a specialized play space.
Construction has resumed at Sunny View Junior Senior Public School in North York, though parents say progress remains sluggish following a sudden halt in work, according to CityNews Toronto.
Families spent years fundraising to modernize the playground to better serve approximately 100 students with special disabilities. CityNews Toronto reports the community raised more than $56,000 for the project, which was launched in 2022 in memory of a former student. Parent Anu Singh told CityNews Toronto that the lack of an accessible outdoor space has left students cooped up in overcrowded classrooms, depriving them of the exercise and fresh air necessary for focus.
Singh noted that construction abruptly stopped in June, and while some work has returned, she described seeing as few as two workers on-site most days. Singh expressed frustration over a lack of communication from the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) regarding the project timeline throughout the summer.
A TDSB spokesperson told CityNews Toronto that the west portion of the playground is slated for completion in late November and should open by the end of the year. The full project, including the east end of the property, is not expected to be finished until early 2027. The TDSB attributed delays to adherence with government regulations under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, which may limit worker numbers in specific areas.
The TDSB denied a request from CityNews Toronto to film the construction progress.