Residents in Vancouver’s Olympic Village came together in a lively gathering to show their support for a much-anticipated elementary school, despite facing renewed opposition.
The proposed rezoning, aiming to add a fourth floor and expand the school’s capacity to accommodate over 600 students, has sparked discontent among some community members. Concerns revolve around potential traffic congestion and the loss of green space at Hinge Park, the chosen location for the new school.
At the heart of the issue are parents eager to enroll their children in the Vancouver School District soon. With nearly two decades of planning behind it, the necessity of the school is evident to many.
Mykol, a resident, emphasized the urgency, stating, “We can’t afford to wait any longer. More seats mean more opportunities for our kids.”
Single parent Andrea Fraser, with a four-year-old set to enter Kindergarten next year, stresses the importance of having the school nearby for logistical reasons. She points out that the presence of a school was well-known to all residents who chose to live in the neighborhood.
While acknowledging the valid concerns raised, many rally attendees prioritize the benefits the new school will bring to local families.
Teacher Gwen Floyd dismissed the opposition as unfounded, emphasizing the crucial need for accessible schools within communities. She questioned the resistance to a mere additional story in an area already populated by taller buildings.
The Vancouver School Board has reassured the public that a traffic-management plan is in the works for the future school. Approval of the rezoning application is required before construction can commence in 2027, with the school projected to open its doors in 2030.
Keyphrase: Vancouver elementary school