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Notice to Parents and Caregivers in East Gwillimbury  

The Town of East Gwillimbury (EG) is taking action to terminate operations of “Kindred Spirits Day School”, 4122 Davis Drive, due to violations of the EG Zoning By-law, the Building Code Act(BCA) and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA).   

The building is zoned as residential and not institutional, and schools can only operate on lands zoned as institutional. Kindred Spirits is operating in contravention of the EG Zoning By-law. 

In addition, the building does not meet the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code requirements to operate as a school. Despite orders to cease operations, the owners continue to operate. At repeated inspections of the property, Town Building Branch staff observed approximately 80 students and 15 staff members inside the building. 

Orders were publicly posted on the entry doors to the building and include ongoing infractions under the BCA and FPPA.  

In an abundance of caution and due to confirmed ongoing operations, the following information is being shared to keep the community safe. 

BCA and FPPA Infractions 

  • “Kindred Spirits Day School” commenced operations in the absence of planning approvals, a building permit, and an occupancy permit. A short list of Building Code deficiencies is available on the posted Orders, and include fire protection provision, exiting, fire separations, and septic system. Other deficiency items not posted on the orders include all other requirements for the building to be upgraded to an Assembly use (school). 

  • The EG Building inspection resulted in the issuance of an Order to Remedy an Unsafe Building (issued September 12) and an Order Prohibiting the Use or Occupancy of an Unsafe Building (issued September 13),which were physically posted on the entrance of the facility. 

  • The EG Emergency Service inspection resulted in the issuance of an Inspection Order on September 13, which requires the building to revert to its authorized use as a single-family dwelling and discontinue operations as a school. Compliance with the Inspection Order is required by October 15, 2024.  

EG is committed to community safety, and this includes safe and legal operations of all businesses located in the Town.   

Where businesses are found to be operating in an unsafe manner, EG will take all necessary precautions to protect residents, business-goers, and local employees, according to applicable laws and regulations.  

EG staff will continue to actively monitor businesses in non-compliance and follow all safeguards, including providing notice through posting of Orders for compliance on unsafe or illegal operations.  

Residents and business-goers are reminded to ensure that the businesses they attend are safe and legal. 

For more information: 

  • Questions on posted Orders can be directed to the EG Building Branch – 905-478-4283 ext. 1232 or email.

About East Gwillimbury 

The Town of East Gwillimbury (EG) covers an area of 238 square kilometres, with a population of approximately 41,000 residents, and is located in the northern part of York Region. EG is a balanced community made up of several growing urban areas and villages including Holland Landing, Queensville, Mount Albert, River Drive Park, and Sharon. EG is committed to maintaining environmental stewardship while building complete communities and fostering responsible growth. EG also offers quality programs and services and a culture of municipal excellence, making it a beautiful place to live and visit.  

Media Contact: 
Bethany Lee 
365-340-2956