Students, staff, alumni, and community members recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new Bloor Collegiate Institute. The occasion was especially meaningful as it coincided with the school’s 100th anniversary.
The newly completed four-storey, 125,000 square foot building offers a bright, modern, and student-focused environment in the heart of downtown Toronto. Designed to support creativity, collaboration, and innovation, the school features science and robotics suites, computer engineering labs, visual and performing arts clusters, and specialty classrooms for music, theatre, and culinary arts. A student commons, cafetorium, and competition-sized sports field provide additional spaces for learning, recreation, and connection.
“It’s amazing to see this incredible new building come to life,” said Principal Janice Gladstone. “It’s a space where students can feel inspired and connected. When you walk into the airy, bright atrium and students are there in small clusters, the scene is picture-perfect. The modern labs, arts facilities, gym, and outdoor amenities provide Bloor CI students spaces to experiment and collaborate. Our new school truly gives students and staff a place to learn, achieve and build memories and thrive together for years to come.”
The celebration also featured a student-curated historical exhibit titled “100 Objects Tell 100 Stories of 100 Years,” showcasing artifacts and photographs that highlighted the school’s evolution and achievements over the past century. Current student Jack Siegel and alumna Jane Kingston shared a conversation reflecting on their experiences at Bloor CI, emphasizing how the school’s inclusive spirit and commitment to excellence have remained constant across generations.
Director of Education Clayton La Touche shared his reflections on the milestone. “Whether you’re in the sciences, mathematics, or arts, you can find success at Bloor CI,” he said. “There is so much to celebrate here this morning, from the opening of this remarkable building to the strong sense of community within it. This school represents what is possible when creative minds come together to imagine a future that builds on the best of the past.”
The new facility reflects years of planning and collaboration among staff, students, architects, and the broader community, all united by a shared vision to create a learning environment that honours both tradition and innovation.
To mark this milestone, a commemorative tree will be planted later this spring with a time capsule buried beneath it, symbolizing the school’s deep roots and ongoing growth for generations to come.
