The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is reporting encouraging news as student numbers continue to rise across the region. Chief Business Officer and Treasurer Jeremy Hobbs told trustees this week that the board is entering a period of stability and growth after decades of decline.
In 1995, the UCDSB peaked at about 40,000 students. By 2020, enrolment had dropped to just over 25,000, mostly due to demographic changes. Now, the trend is reversing. Projections for the 2025-26 school year show several communities gaining new students, helping strengthen overall numbers across eastern Ontario.
Hobbs said the increase reflects the confidence families have in UCDSB schools and the growing strength of local communities. While a few areas continue to face small declines, many others are seeing rapid growth, creating a positive outlook for the district.
Population growth, new housing, and immigration are expected to support this upward trend in the years ahead, giving the board a more stable foundation for long-term planning.
