Structural assessment report released on Elizabeth Ziegler Public School
The Waterloo Region District School Board released the results of its structural engineering assessment of Elizabeth Ziegler Public School on Wednesday.
The report detailed the extensive repairs needed to the Moore Avenue building, which was built in 1931, after months of testing and consultation.
The board closed Elizabeth Ziegler Public School on March 3, citing concerns about the façade of the structure. Many of the students were transferred to Sandowne Public School to resume in-person lessons, while others attended classes in portables installed at Elizabeth Ziegler.
On April 1, it was also announced the school would remain closed for the 2025-2026 school year.
Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo
A fence blocked off access to Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo, Ont. on March 4, 2025 due to structural testing. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News)
Structural assessment
The report from Witzel Dyce Engineering lists several concerns.
In particular, the school needs a new interior steel frame to support the structure.
'The deterioration of the existing headers, roof joists and floor joists poses safety concerns to any occupants inside or around the building,' the report reads. 'Repairing the deteriorated structural members is a critical step to reinstating occupancy for the school.'
Structural engineers also identified other issues, including cracks, corrosion and deterioration of building materials.
Elizabeth Ziegler Public School
Crews work on the outside of Elizabeth Ziegler Public School on March 12, 2025. (CTV News/Colton Wiens)
It recommended the installation of additional foundations, removal of the roof to create proper drainage and replacement of window supports.
'After the steel frame is installed, the exterior masonry walls can be repaired, reinforced and restored,' the school board said.
The report also included recommendations to bring to the building up to current code standards, including resistances to seismic activity and an elevator.
The school board said the proposed repairs would extend the life of Elizabeth Ziegler Public School, improve future maintenance and ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors.
School board's decision
The Waterloo Region District School Board said it will be moving forward with repairs to Elizabeth Ziegler Public School.
'We are working with the Ministry of Education to finalize the funding source and seeking approval for the restoration from the City of Waterloo, Municipal Heritage Committee and Building Services,' they said in Wednesday's release.
The school board did not share the projected cost of the project.
Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo, Ont. on April 1, 2025. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News)
Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo, Ont. on April 1, 2025. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News)
What's next
Several steps must be taken before construction can begin.
The school board said a design report for the restoration and repair of Elizabeth Ziegler Public School will have to be presented and approved by the City of Waterloo Heritage Committee and Building Services.
They also need to secure a funding source with the Ministry of Education.
These two tasks must be addressed before the school board said it can provide a timeline for the project.
Also, based on the amount of work needed, they reiterated that Elizabeth Ziegler Public School will not reopen in time for the 2025-2026 school year.
The Waterloo Region District School Board said they will provide families with an update on June 25.
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