As a parent of three children in Niagara-on-the-Lake, I am deeply concerned about the lack of a local high school. My children, like many others in our community, are forced to travel long distances on polluting school buses every day just to receive their education. This not only takes away from their ability to build local friendships and contribute to our community through part-time work but also adds unnecessary strain on the environment.

NOTL is a vibrant community with strong roots and values. Our children should be able to grow up and learn within this nurturing environment without having to commute for an hour each day. The absence of a local high school deprives them of valuable time that could be spent on extracurricular activities, part-time jobs or simply being kids.

Moreover, according to Statistics Canada 2021 data, there are at least 1,000 teens living in Niagara-on-the-Lake and 2100+ kids 14 and under who will need a high school in the near future (source: Statistics Canada). These families deserve access to quality education within their own town and that requires a school board who allocates resources fairly. 

We urge the District School Board of Niagara to reestablish a high school here in Niagara-on-the-Lake by requiring Niagara District S.S. which will cost a fraction of the cost of the definite need to build a new one. Or they could at least offer equal treatment by offering our high school age residents credit course options in the evening in our empty elementary schools as they have been for the local Routes high school students. It's time we put our children's wellbeing first by providing them with accessible education right here at home.

Please sign this petition if you believe that every child deserves access to quality education within their own community.