A river rich in history and the legacy of a local trailblazer will inspire the next generation of students as the Grand Erie District School Board officially announced the names of two new elementary schools currently under construction.
During its recent board meeting, Trustees voted to approve Grand River Public School and Blanche E. Williams Public School as the official names of the new schools in Caledonia and Brantford, respectively.
The school in Caledonia, set to open its doors in September 2025, will be named Grand River Public School. The name was selected with input from students, families, staff and community members who recognized the deep cultural, historical and environmental significance of the Grand River to the region. The river is a vital natural feature that winds through the community and is part of the Haldimand Tract—land granted to the Six Nations of the Grand River in 1784 under the Haldimand Proclamation.
Meanwhile, the new school in the growing West Brant neighbourhood of Brantford will honour Blanche E. Williams, a pioneering figure in Canadian education and racial equality. Williams made history in the 1880s as one of the first Black women in Canada to attend university with the same rights and privileges as white students. She studied in Brantford before being accepted to the University of Toronto, making her mark on history and opening doors for future generations.
The school is scheduled to open in September 2026.
The naming process began last year, with the board inviting community members to submit suggestions along with a rationale. A naming committee then reviewed the submissions, gathered feedback from staff, students and community members, and provided recommendations to the superintendents and Board of Trustees for final approval.
The Grand Erie District School Board said both names reflect strong connections to the communities they will serve and aim to foster pride, inspiration, and a sense of identity for students and families alike.