THE FORD GOVERNMENT WANTS THE POWER TO FORCE SCHOOL BOARDS TO SHARE SPACE. HOW COULD THAT WORK?

These 900 students attend two different schools, run by two different boards — but they all learn in the same building.

Even though they have their own entrances, their classrooms are on the same floors and they share a gym, stage and library.

It takes organization and collaboration by the Toronto Catholic and public boards to keep things running smoothly, because the CityPlace setup — located near Spadina Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard West — also includes a city community centre and child care.

It’s a model the provincial government is looking to replicate — and in some cases, force — under new legislation that would allow the education minister to order boards to share space, while also encouraging better co-ordination and partnerships with municipalities.