OneCity opposes 99-year lease of school land citing lack of public consultation, loss of green space, and insufficient community benefits
VANCOUVER (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations) – Last night, VSB Trustee Jennifer Reddy voted against the subdivision of Fleming elementary school, due to strong concerns about the costs and terms of the agreement.
Fleming Elementary is on the northeast corner of 49th and Knight Street and is home to over 400 students. The subdivision proposes a 99-year lease for the development of mixed use residential and commercial/retail, which would boost the livability of the area and create community around services. However, the public document does not disclose details - notably, the expected fees or terms of the lease which concern the sale of school land to developers, who have historically sought profit over supporting community. This lease structure would also remove green space for families in favour of development, making it difficult for families to access parks close to home.
As Trustee Reddy has stated, echoing the voices of over 4,000 parents surveyed by the VSB, there should be no contemplation of school land sale and any contemplation of leases should first consider the needs of the students and community who depend on schools and school land for education and wellbeing.
Patti Bacchus, former VSB trustee, and the district’s longest serving Board Chair, is concerned as well, “this lease arrangement is effectively ‘selling’ this piece of school lands for several generations, meaning for the next 99 years Vancouver children will have less space to play and learn, while the city’s population becomes denser. It’s unfortunate and shortsighted. The process to reach this decision has been very opaque, with limited public engagement. It’s all so very disappointing.”
Trustee Reddy stated, “On the doorsteps around Fleming Elementary I have heard from many who noted that the Fleming field and playground is the only greenspace for families to access without having to cross Knight or Fraser Streets. They were assured through City consultations that after the seismic upgrade the full greenspace would be available for kids and families to use. However, this proposed plan did not live up to what was promised. On top of this, we have yet to produce updated enrolment forecasts and are dealt a low lease rate without review set for 99 years. This is neither responsible nor in the best interest of students and families.”