Education

The first frame schoolhouse in Aylmer was built in 1838 at 68 Gravel Rd., (John Street South). The frame building was replaced in 1870 by a brick building on the present site of the McGregor Public School, which was named for long-time principal Dan McGregor. Many additions to McGregor School were made over the years, expanding the classroom numbers and the construction of library resource centres, teachers’ offices, health room etc.

The Aylmer High School was established in 1873 using one room and a hall in the public school. The first dedicated High School building was constructed in 1876. New structures were built in 1886 and 1937. The high school, now called East Elgin Secondary School, has since undergone many renovations to deal with increasing enrolment, including the construction of a vocational wing in 1962 and a 2.5 million dollar expansion in 1969. A photo of the 1886 structure on Talbot street taken in 1913 is included below.

In 1946 the first Catholic school was built in Aylmer. Known as the Our Lady of Sorrows school, this building underwent construction of an additional four-room building in 1955. At this time the school’s name was changed to Assumption Separate School. In the year 2000, enrollment at the school was listed at 375 students.

Davenport Public School was built in 1956 to accommodate the overflow of students from McGregor School. Davenport Public School consisted of a kindergarten and five classrooms. Expansions were made over the years and in 1971-72, Davenport Public School became a senior elementary school while McGregor became a primary elementary school. By the year 2000, enrolment at Davenport school was approximately 450.

Aylmer was also the home of a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) training facility. Construction began on the No. 14 Flying Training School, Aylmer (later known as RCAF Station Aylmer) approximately a year after the outbreak of the Second World War. On July 3, 1941 the station was officially opened by the Honorable Albert Mathews, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. By 1945, the staff at the school had grown to 600 service and civilian personnel with 1,133 trainees being instructed. From 1946-1961 the station was used by the Air Force for training purposes including administration and accounting school, cadet training, and language training. In 1961 the station was closed.

In 1962, the Ontario Police College was established on the former RCAF base in Aylmer. In May 1971 it was announced that new police college buildings would be built on the site at Aylmer. This construction commenced in 1974 and was completed in 1977.

Ontario Police College

RCAF Base

Schools