DID YOU KNOW...?

►  The School District plans to build TWO 30’ x 60’ buildings on Willows School’s Musgrave field for childcare facilities to open this September. This will double the number of detached buildings on this site.

ISSUE: More childcare spaces are definitely needed in the Oak Bay area, BUT Willows School’s Musgrave field is the WRONG location... and here’s why:

*   DESTROYING A FIELD needed for students and the community: Willows is the largest elementary school in the District and is overcrowded… meaning, among other things, students get just one gym class a week! Outdoor space plays an important part in their active day. These new buildings would leave less than half of Musgrave field for students and community sports.

*  TRAFFIC! The traffic around Willows Elementary is dangerous and chaotic during drop off and pick up times. Adding on-site daycare would escalate this terrible situation. Oak Bay Police and Fire have been concerned about the traffic situation for some time. This is a big safety issue.

SOLUTIONS:  WHY add traffic to an already congested area?  WHY destroy a school field, removing community green space? WHY create a “trailer park” at a neighbourhood school?

There ARE solutions!

1.  Uplands Elementary School on Henderson Rd. Number one alternative location.

- Closed years ago – now used by international students who do not use the fields
- Convenient, easily accessible location for parents
- Land is already owned by the School District and is not being used
- Plenty of existing on-site parking.
 

2.      Richmond Elementary School: Second alternative location for planned daycare facilities.

- Closed years ago – talk is that this school may need to re-open to take pressure off Oaklands and Willows schools, BUT there is still plenty of available space on the back side

- Convenient and nearby location for Oak Bay parents

- Land already owned by the School District.

►   With excellent alternative locations... we need to make our voices heard.

►   WHAT CAN I DO?  Time is running out, as the district is fast tracking these buildings!  Please call and/or write the school district and Oak Bay Council ASAP and let them know:

1.  That you support childcare

2.  That this is the wrong place because Willows School and playgrounds are already overcrowded. 

Contact:

- Jordan Watters, Chair, Victoria School Board: jwatters@sd61.bc.ca
- Mark Walsh, Secretary Treasurer, SD61: mwalsh@sd61.bc.ca   ph: 250-475-4106
- Chuck Morris, Director of Facilities, SD61: cmorris@sd61.bc.ca  ph: 250-920-3400                     - Oak Bay Council:  obcouncil@oakbay.ca

Please take action ASAP!