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Planning for Future Needs: Proposed Sale of Former School Site

In order to best meet future educational needs, the Burnaby School District regularly plans for what tomorrow’s students will need. As part of our long-range planning, the Burnaby Board of Education has initiated the process to sell the site of the old Duthie-Union Elementary School – located at 7231 Frances Street – and is holding an information sharing session with an opportunity to learn more.

Based on the Long-Range Facilities Plan – which lays out a roadmap that aligns educational programming goals with operational facilities – the Duthie-Union site was reviewed and found to be surplus to the District’s current and future educational needs. The building hasn’t been used as a school since 1980.

The plan proposes selling the site and using the proceeds to support other capital needs. Staff were directed to engage in negotiations with Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, the school board for all French schools in the province. They wish to purchase the site for fair market value of $24 million and use it to support their public education mandate.

Before the Burnaby Board of Education makes the final decision, Trustees wish to hear from the public.

There are two ways to share feedback

  1. Attend the virtual public meeting on Tuesday, November 9 at 6:30pm to learn more and share your feedback. (See registration information below.)
  2. Email the Burnaby School District your questions and feedback: engagement@burnabyschools.ca

How to Attend the Virtual Meeting

  • In order to help us ensure we have the information you need at the meeting, kindly submit any questions you have in advance to engagement@burnabyschools.ca by 8am on Monday November 8.
  • When you reach out to us via the above email address, you will receive an autoreply with a link to register for the virtual meeting, which will be held online at 6:30pm on Tuesday November 9.

Following a short presentation, there will be an opportunity at the public meeting to ask any questions that remain and to share your feedback.

 

Posted November 2021