From left, Nicola Whitehouse, Elmwood School head James Whitehouse and his board chair, Dr. Véronique French Merkley, and Ben Merkley stand alongside a series of architectural renderings for the school's new $11-million addition slated to break ground next month. Photo by Caroline Phillips
More than bricks and mortar: Elmwood to build a space to lead
Architecture has the power to transform how we feel and how we interact with the world around us.
That’s one of the guiding principles behind the new expansion of Elmwood School, an all-girls school in Rockcliffe Park with a student body of 386.
The school is preparing to begin an $11-million addition that proponents say will change the way Elmwood students feel, from reducing stress to improving mood and cognitive performance.
“We’re about to build something quite ambitious,” head of school James Whitehouse told a sold-out crowd of nearly 200 at the school’s signature gala on Saturday night. “But we’re not doing it just for bricks and mortar; we’re doing it as a space for these girls to lead, to grow and be inspired.”
The Space to Lead campaign is the school’s largest capital project in 25 years. It made its public debut at the gala, where architectural renderings of the new addition by Toronto-based architect Tye Farrow were on full display.
“It’s not a building; it’s a dream. It’s a dream and a space where the incredible people that we see every day can really be inspired by what’s next,” said Whitehouse, speaking with unmistakable enthusiasm.
The project has been in development for nearly two decades. Now that it’s going ahead, the school is looking to raise $5 million over the next three years, drawing support from the Elmwood community. “To me, it’s the most exciting project that I’ve been part of at the school,” said Whitehouse, who joined Elmwood in 2012 as its deputy head.
During his remarks, Whitehouse also stressed the importance of building women’s leadership that is kind, respectful and strong. “In a world that is crying out for female leadership, we get to be in a place that lives and breathes it every single day.”
James Whitehouse, head of Elmwood School, unveiled the school’s Space to Lead campaign to a sold-out crowd of nearly 200 at the Elmwood Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips
An architectural rendering of how the new main entrance to Elmwood School will look from the parking lot.
A closer look at the new main entrance to Elmwood School.
An aerial view showing where the addition will be located on the property.
Phase one of the new addition will introduce a dedicated main entrance — something the school has long lacked — and a multipurpose theatre. The design places an emphasis on light-filled spaces and natural materials and forms. Farrow’s use of wood at the entrance is intended to reflect the surrounding tree canopy in Rockcliffe, using what he calls “mid-range fractional patterns” that feel visually rich but not overwhelming.
Farrow is a Harvard-trained architect and an author whose work explores how neuroscience can inform design.
Studies show, he told CiTC, that students perform better in environments with natural light. “The idea is to use space as a non-invasive therapeutic treatment that can enhance performance, social interaction, empathy, and creativity — simply because the ingredients that the environment provides can help make us the best versions of ourselves,” Farrow said.
If all goes as planned, Elmwood hopes to break ground in the coming months, with construction expected to take up to 14 months. The school has secured its heritage permit and is awaiting remaining municipal approvals.
An architectural rendering of the new main entrance at Elmwood School, showcasing a cozy fireplace.
An architectural rendering of the new main entrance at Elmwood School, featuring expansive glass and lots of natural light.
An architectural rendering of the multipurpose theatre, featuring a large window that frames a view of the surrounding trees.
This year’s Elmwood Gala: The Gilded Stage raised $275,000, confirmed Taryn Manias, the director of development and community engagement for the school. She worked closely with returning gala committee chair Simran Kochar, business development and flooring division manager at Stone Design Concepts, to deliver what many later described as one of the best Elmwood galas in years.
Attendees included honorary patron, Elmwood alum Jamilah Taib Murray, as well as members of the school’s board of governors, including Andrea Johnson, co-lead of the national corporate group at global law firm Dentons, and David Wu, co-founder and chief growth officer of Altea, which is further expanding its premier fitness and wellness footprint nationally. Also on the board of governors is luxury realtor and Elmwood alum Reba Wilson, who spoke of her pride in the school. “Elmwood is a magical place, and the sense of community it inspires is evident here tonight,” she told CiTC.
Elmwood Gala committee chair Simran Kochar with her husband, Rahul Kochar, vice president at Phoenix Homes, at the Elmwood Gala: The Gilded Stage, held in the school’s transformed gymnasium. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Reba Wilson, seen during dinner at the Elmwood Gala, sits on the Elmwood School board of governors and is a luxury realtor with Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties® Inc. Christie’s International, the real estate sponsor for the gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips
James Whitehouse, head of school at Elmwood, with honorary patron and Elmwood School alum Jamilah Taib Murray at the school’s annual gala, held Saturday, May 2, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Dave Dickinson, co-founder and senior partner of Prime Benefits Group, and his wife, Jill Dickinson, president at CKL Properties, with their guests, Caroline Rikhtegar and Kaveh Rikhtegar, board chair of the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, at the Elmwood Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips
The board is chaired by Bruyère Health physician and Elmwood alum Dr. Véronique French Merkley. She listed several past projects made possible through community support, including the updated science labs, a junior school play structure, an art studio and sports field.
This year’s focus was the music program, with student performances featured throughout the evening.
“All the extras that make Elmwood so special depend on the generosity of our community, and this gala is the major fundraiser of the year,” French Merkley said. “It’s really the key to making continuous enrichment and innovation possible.”
Ben Merkley, president at Dustbane Products, and his wife, Dr. Véronique French Merkley, a physician at Bruyère Health and the chair of the board of governors at Elmwood School, in the gymnasium for the school’s major fundraising gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Elmwood School student Zoey Wu performed at the Elmwood Gala: The Gilded Stage held Saturday, May 2, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, MJ Naim Brown, luxury realtors Reba Wilson and Marilyn Wilson (Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties® Inc. Christie’s International Real Estate) and Arlie Koyman, who many years ago chaired the Elmwood Gala, at this year’s gala held Saturday, May 2, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Elmwood parents Andrea Johnson, co-lead of the national corporate group at global law firm Dentons and a member of the board of governors at Elmwood School, and David Little, national leader of Dentons Canada’s venture technology and emerging growth companies group, in the transformed gymnasium for the school’s gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Dr. Véronique French Merkley, chair of the board of governors at Elmwood School, spoke of how “teamwork makes the dream work” while acknowledging the efforts of many at this year’s Elmwood Gala: The Gilded Stage. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Debra Wu and David Wu, chief growth officer for Altea and a member of the board of governors at Elmwood School, at Elmwood School’s signature gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Ottawa criminal defence lawyer Solomon Friedman served as emcee. While the request likely came after Kochar saw him in action at Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa’s annual gala, the way he tells it is much funnier.
“I started wondering why I was being asked. I thought, ‘I’m a criminal defence lawyer, I’m Jewish, I have a great head of ha—’” he said, stopping mid-sentence as he ran a hand over his less-than-full head of hair.
“She couldn’t see me over the phone. Then I realized she thinks I’m Lawrence Greenspon,” he joked, referring to another prominent criminal defence lawyer who’s also Jewish. “So I just went with it, and here I am.”
The live auction featured enviable experiential packages, including a private jet experience aboard a Challenger 350 for up to nine passengers, courtesy of Monarch Jets Canada. The item was valued at $80,000.
Other donations included packages from Jacobsons Gourmet Concepts, Howard Fine Jewellers, Aluminum Elite Studio, Altea Ottawa and Otto’s BMW. Compass Rose offered an escape to Mont Tremblant, while Grand Isle Resort & Spa owners Peter Nicholson and Anabel Bane donated a seven-night stay in Exuma, The Bahamas.
Friedman, who’s also a licensed pilot, offered to take the highest bidder and a guest on an aerial tour of Ottawa, followed by dinner at Dante Restaurant.
Criminal defence lawyer Solomon Friedman and Kathleen Dempsey at the Elmwood Gala, where Friedman helped out as the emcee. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Elmwood parents Arief Raun and Sonia Koller of Otto’s BMW at the Elmwood Gala, held Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Rockcliffe Park. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Elmwood Gala committee members, from left, included Erica Fox, Rocio Darevic, Simran Kochar (chair), Shella Mithani, Amira Drake and Sophie Bifield (missing are Jackie Ribaric and Taryn Manias). Photo by Caroline Phillips
Elmwood School alum and visual artist Brooke Mierins with her boyfriend Mahad Shahid at the Elmwood Gala: The Gilded Stage. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Elmwood School student Lily Sun performed violin at her school’s Elmwood Gala: The Gilded Stage, which raised at least $275,000. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Jennifer Bethell, Andrea Laurin, TL Mierins and Jill Dickinson in the Elmwood School’s gymnasium, which was transformed into a venue for dining and dancing. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Ottawa entrepreneur Ginger Bertrand — co-chair of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow — and Stephanie Appotive, co-owner of Howard Fine Jewellers, are alumnae of Elmwood School, which held its signature gala on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Elmwood’s head of school James Whitehouse in conversation with students at the school’s gala, which launched plans to build a new $11-million addition on the school. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Anabel Bane and Peter Nicholson, owner of Wealth WCPD, donated a week-long stay at their Grand Isle Resort & Spa in Exuma, The Bahamas to the live auction at the Elmwood Gala. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Former Shopify executive Louis Kearns, luxury realtors Reba Wilson and Marilyn Wilson, and Karyne Kearns at the Elmwood Gala, held Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Rockcliffe Park. Photo by Caroline Phillips
James Whitehouse and his wife, Nicola Whitehouse, who also works in education as principal of St. Matthews High School in Orléans, at the Elmwood Gala held Saturday, May 2, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, MJ Naim Brown and Elmwood School honorary patron Jamilah Taib Murray were among the nearly 200 attendees who dined in the transformed gymnasium at Elmwood School. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Charles McCulloch, director of national philanthropy and partnerships at the Rideau Hall Foundation, and his wife, Elmwood School alum Nila Matthews, realtor with Royal LePage Performance, at the Elmwood Gala: The Gilded Stage. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Ottawa lawyer Solomon Friedman welcomed nearly 200 guests to the Elmwood Gala: The Gilded Stage, held in support of the all-girls school in Rockcliffe Park. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Rahim Pirani, Shella Mithani and Amanda Beaubien at the Elmwood Gala, held at the Rockcliffe Park school on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Retired Canadian ambassador Scott Heatherington and Elmwood School alum Elizabeth Heatherington at the Elmwood Gala: The Gilded Stage. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Toronto-based architect Tye Farrow has been working with Elmwood School, represented by its head, James Whitehouse, on a new $11-million addition. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Nearly 200 attendees dined in the gymnasium of Elmwood School on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Photo by Caroline Phillips
This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WEALTH (WCPD), Syntax Strategic, RBC, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, Welch LLP, Brazeau Seller Law and Prime Benefits Group.
hello@carolineinthecapital.ca
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