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For the first time since Ottawa’s largest school board announced its controversial plan to re-draw the elementary school boundaries, parents are getting a chance to weigh in on the proposed changes. A public meeting Thursday afternoon turned emotional at times as parents shared how the new boundary map would impact their kids.

If the changes are approved, 30 schools across the board would be impacted, 11,000 students may have to change schools, and the new boundaries would come into effect in September 2026.

• 30 Ottawa public schools to see grade changes under elementary program review: report

There were dozens of parents from all different areas of the city, many bringing signs to show solidarity against this proposal. At times, there were tears as many were visibly upset by this proposal.

“My daughter’s seven and she has three best friends, all four of them are being completely decimated and they’re being all sent to different schools,” said Mike Chatham, a parent in Ottawa. “We haven’t even told her about the proposed changes because it’s going to be so heartbreaking for her and her friends.”

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board hosted public consultation meetings on Thursday, which at times got heated.

“We are devastated and outraged at the bait and switch that we’ve experienced,” said Elizabeth MacDonald, a parent in Ottawa. “These changes are proposed to us under the guise of community, walkable schools that involve fewer transitions for students, less bussing, and a return to community schools, but we are experiencing the exact opposite.”“Our area in particular, our kids are going from walking 200 to 300m to school to walking almost three kilometers to school,” said Sasha Hanson-Pastran, an Ottawa parent.

The changes are part of the board’s sweeping elementary program review aimed at offering French immersion programming at more schools, phasing out some special education programs, and keeping students at schools in their neighbourhoods.

“It’s the feedback we’ve had for years that the program offerings, the services available were inequitable across the district, and we’ve looked at trying to address that, but along with that opportunity to become more equitable over time, come a series of factors for consideration, elements of a change management process, which aren’t always easy and not perfect for everyone,” said Pino Buffone, OCDSB Director of Education.

Not everyone is against the move.

“Overall, I am for this change. I want my kids to be in community schools,” said Trish Mermuys. “I think there are equity issues at play when it comes to separating English only and French immersion only schools. I think they can be brought in and everyone brought back within balance, but it is untenable to have a boundary that is bisected by a 400 series highway.”

Some parents say the new boundary map will create a logistical nightmare for families.

“(We) Feel very blindsided and are left scrambling and wondering what to do. It will also separate siblings and our community,” said Ashley Baddeley, a parent in Ottawa.