by GRAHAM BRUCE PAC

The community came together to save the field at Graham Bruce Elementary. Photo by Melanie Cheng

At a private board meeting held on September 25, 2023, the Vancouver School Board trustees voted to suspend the subdivision of the Bruce field.

As a result of the City of Vancouver’s recent amendments to the zoning and development by-law, “Missing Middle” housing option (multiplex), this by-law is not only unprecedented, it may also impact long-term residential development and school enrolment across the City of Vancouver.

The Board has directed their staff to update the enrolment projections to the VSB’s long range facilities plan in relation to the city’s recent zoning changes and existing neighbourhood plans. However, the VSB may restart the plan to sell or lease it in the future.

On September 29, 2023, friends and families of Bruce community came together to rally at the VSB offices on West Broadway delivering all the signed petitions to the board. Children from Bruce Elementary School wrote thank you cards and they were all delivered to the school trustees. It was a beautiful sight to see.

Thank you cards from from Bruce Elementary School students were delivered to the school trustees.

The VSB has made it very clear in their letter dated September 25, 2023, to Bruce families that “[they] may consider restarting the engagement process relating to the proposed surplus declaration of the eastern portion of the Bruce field.”

They further indicate “We are committed to being open and transparent and will continue to provide updates in a timely manner.”

For now, we can breathe a sign of relief as the new 2023-2024 school year has started.

Please remember, this matter is temporarily on hold. If (and when) this does arise again, Bruce Elementary will need your help once again.

Please continue to inform family, friends and colleagues of this issue and continue to sign the petition at savebrucefield.com.

The Bruce PAC team would like to express its sincerest thanks to all for their support.

Copyright 2023 Renfrew-Collingwood Community News