To: Vancouver City Council From: Village Voices & Concerned Residents

The Ask

We are a group of Olympic Village residents who support the building of our long-promised elementary school but strongly oppose the current rezoning application submitted by the Vancouver School Board.

We petition City Council to reject the rezoning proposal and return to the originally approved zoning plan: a community-sized school (350 students) that preserves green space, includes a pre-K daycare and fits our neighbourhood. This also ensures that the school can be built more quickly.

Why We Oppose the Rezoning

1. Compromised Well-being of Children

   •     Loss of Play Space: The new plan crams 630 students onto a tiny 2.3-acre footprint, leaving no significant green space for children to explore or an at ground, adjacent play field.

   •     Rooftop Confinement: Instead of natural settings, children will be confined to a 7-meter high enclosure on a rooftop play field, which is not a healthy environment for development and will not be accessible to the community after hours or on weekends.

   •     Cuts to Services: The rezoning proposal eliminates the pre-K daycare included in the original plan.

2. Traffic Chaos & Safety Hazards

   •     Gridlock: With over 250 students commuting from outside the walkable catchment area and only 6 parking spaces, the Village faces inevitable daily gridlock. Solutions involving designated parking areas or parking lots on West 1st. Ave must be considered.

   •     Safety Risks: Our narrow streets cannot handle this influx. Increased traffic poses safety hazards for pedestrians—especially children and seniors—and could block emergency vehicle access.

   •     Business Impact: Proposed lane reductions on Columbia Street and the elimination of visitor parking will deter customers, threatening the viability of local shops, restaurants, and the Farmers Market.

3. Fiscal Impact (Cost to Taxpayers)

   •     Exorbitant Costs: The Provincial Government has committed $150 million to this project. This equates to $238,100 per student.

   •     Over Spending: This is nearly three times the cost of other recent projects, such as the Hastings Sunrise school, which cost only $65,880 per student.

   •     Better Allocation: In a time of record deficits, these surplus funds should be redirected to upgrade and expand the capacity of other nearby schools in need. 

Our Vision:

We want a school that fits. We advocate for the original 3-storey plan which provides:

   •     A capacity of 350 students (local community focus).

   •     A pre-K daycare for local families.

   •     Accessible outdoor green space for students and the community.

👉 Sign the petition to demand a fiscally responsible, safe, and community-focused school! 

Support a Better School for our Community!