University of Toronto Schools to remain in current location, thanks to new agreement with U of T

The University of Toronto administration and University of Toronto Schools (UTS) have reached a tentative agreement that would see UTS remain a part of the U of T campus community at its 371 Bloor Street West location.

The agreement also includes renewed status for UTS as a formal affiliate of the University of Toronto.

The 50-year agreement, which is dependent on approval of the U of T’s Governing Council, would lead to significant physical improvements to the 105-year-old building, including heritage restoration and the construction of a new 700-seat auditorium. UTS would also contribute to the rejuvenation of U of T’s Robert Street Playing Field, a block west of the school building, as an open air athletic field.

Details of the capital projects, both at 371 Bloor Street and at the Robert Street field, would be subject to the normal consultation and approval processes within the university and with the City of Toronto. 

Scott Mabury, U of T’s vice-president operations, said UTS would pay the construction and operating costs, but U of T retains ownership of the land and building and plans to develop the rest of the site.

“U of T will realize some significant benefits from this tentative agreement, including heritage restoration, physical improvements and access to new facilities,” Mabury said. “Under the agreement, these new and improved facilities will be available for the University’s use on a regular basis.”

In return, UTS will enjoy occupancy of the building for the length of the agreement, as well as access to certain U of T services, libraries and athletic facilities.

UTS was founded as a laboratory school for U of T’s Faculty of Education in 1910. After it attained its independence in 2004, UTS continued its long-standing academic relationship with U of T, a relationship that would continue under the new agreement, primarily with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) but also with other U of T faculties and departments, supporting a significant number of research projects, educational innovation and teacher training. 
UTS is the only truly merit-based university preparatory school in Canada that is affiliated with a university and located on a university campus, said Jim Fleck, the chair of the UTS board of directors. 

Fleck said UTS is very happy with the agreement. “UTS is an iconic Toronto institution, having produced Nobel Prize winners, and leaders in business, science, technology, government, culture and learning.  With this new deal, UTS secures its place in the University and historic location in the city. It's a great day for the school, the city, the province and the country.”