Numerous individuals eagerly lined up both over the phone and in person at Vancouver City Hall on Thursday evening to express their opinions regarding a proposed new elementary school in Olympic Village.
Initially conceived two decades ago, the school project has recently undergone revisions to expand its student capacity from 300 to over 600, along with an increase in the number of storeys from three to four.
A rezoning application submitted last year has sparked concerns within the community, with many residents voicing worries about potential traffic congestion and the loss of green space at Hinge Park, the designated construction site for the school. In response to these concerns, the Vancouver School Board indicated in July 2025 that they are developing a traffic-management plan for the school.
During the public hearing on Thursday, one speaker criticized the proposed school plan, emphasizing the unsuitability of the chosen location and suggesting alternative sites such as vacant land on 1st Avenue or closer to the Cambie Bridge.
In contrast, parents highlighted the current lack of a school in the family-oriented neighborhood of Olympic Village. Citing census data from five years ago, one parent pointed out that Olympic Village had the highest concentration of children under 14 years old in the entire city, with around 800 kids residing within eight city blocks at that time.
Simon Fraser Elementary, the designated school for Olympic Village, is located 16 blocks away and is operating beyond its capacity, leading the school district to conduct lotteries for kindergarten admissions.
The approval of the rezoning application is a prerequisite for the commencement of construction in 2027, with the projected opening of the new school set for 2030.
A crucial vote regarding the school project is scheduled to take place on Feb. 26.