North Vancouvers school district is inviting the public to discuss the future of 11 pieces of land declared surplus to its needs.
We want to give everyone a chance to ask questions and provide feedback about they feel about these properties, said Franci Stratton, chairwoman of the board of education. Engaging the community is a priority for us.
The properties up for consideration are Blueridge elementary, Cloverley school, Fromme elementary, Keith Lynn school, the Lonsdale Creek annex, the Lucas Centre, Maplewood school, Monteray school, Plymouth elementary, the Ridgeway annex and Westover school.
Some of these properties, like Fromme and Maplewood, already have long-term tenants. Leasing is often a good option, Stratton said, as it allows the district to retain ownership of the land and gives the board more control over its revenue. Land sales are subject to approval from the Ministry of Education, which can also decide how the proceeds should be spent.
Stratton stressed that no decisions have been made regarding the Lucas Centre, the largest of the unneeded properties.
The community has assumed that, she said. But there are still all sorts of options. What I hear from people is that they want to see the building used and the fields retained.
The open house, entitled "Land, learning and livability," will be at Ridgeway elementary, 420 8th Street East, on Wednesday, April 25, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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