Two action items in TEAM’s 2022 education platform were:
Ensure that City planning for growth doesn't get ahead of school resources to support that growth, and prioritize new schools for catch-up in newly developed neighbourhoods such as Olympic Village that has been waiting for a decade without a school
Stop disposing of school land! Commit to retaining ownership of school buildings and property for future population growth by taking advantage of space in underutilized school buildings for other community uses such as childcare, seniors care, or community programs
At its September 23 meeting, Vancouver’s Board of School Trustees will vote on the de facto disposition, through a 99-year lease, of what has been part of the school grounds at Sir Sanford Fleming elementary school.
The following letter is from Vik Khanna, former chairman of the Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council, who has long advocated for decision-making based on accurate enrollment projections.
Dear Trustees,
I write to express my deep concern over the Vancouver School Board’s (VSB) reliance on flawed enrollment data to justify the decision to lease the south portion of Fleming School for 99 years. While this may technically be a lease, it is effectively the same as selling the land, as it locks future generations out of this valuable public asset for a century. In a city experiencing rapid growth, the decision to forfeit public land for such a long period is both short-sighted and contrary to the long-term interests of Vancouver’s children and communities.
Given the recent zoning changes across the city—allowing up to six units per lot in low-density neighborhoods—alongside continued densification in transit-oriented developments and non-profit developments, now is the time to preserve and expand our educational infrastructure, not reduce it. The decision to lease this land for nearly a century ignores the growing demand for school spaces and fails to align with broader urban planning efforts to meet the future needs of Vancouver’s families.
1. A 99-Year Lease: Optics or Reality?
Although the Board refers to this arrangement as a lease, it is effectively a sale for multiple generations. By leasing the land for 99 years, the VSB is forfeiting the ability to respond to future educational needs in one of Vancouver’s densifying areas. This decision removes flexibility for decades to come, locking future generations of students out of essential educational infrastructure. It is vital to recognize that public land is irreplaceable, and once it is leased for nearly a century, it is functionally out of public control for the foreseeable future.
2. Alternative Funding Solutions: A Long-Term, Sustainable Approach
Rather than leasing irreplaceable public land, the VSB must explore sustainable, long-term funding solutions. Vancouver’s rapid densification means that demand for school spaces will only grow. The recent mandate change of Housing, Infrastructure, and Community Canada underscores the need for integrated infrastructure planning. Schools are no longer just educational facilities—they are multi-functional community hubs that can provide essential services such as childcare, housing for essential workers, and community spaces for health, wellness, and the arts.
The Board should look to innovative partnerships with the City of Vancouver, provincial funding, and public-private ventures that retain public land ownership while generating sustainable revenue. Developing multi-use community hubs would create long-term value without compromising the public interest. This approach ensures that public assets remain under public control while delivering necessary services to Vancouver’s growing population.
3. Lack of Transparency in Lease Price: Erosion of Public Trust
A central concern is the non-disclosure of the pre-paid 99-year lease price. Without transparency, it is impossible for the public to assess whether the VSB has secured fair value for this significant public asset. This lack of openness fuels perceptions of cronyism, raising serious concerns about who ultimately benefits from this deal. Given that we are dealing with public land, transparency must be paramount. The public deserves to know whether this decision truly serves their interests or if it disproportionately benefits private developers at the expense of future generations.
4. Development Model: Risk-Free for Developers?
There is no clarity about the development model being used for this project. If the 99-year lease allows for significant developer benefits, such as through the 40% down-payment assistance program backed by the BC government, this could create a risk-free scenario for developers while the public gains little in return. It is essential that the VSB ensures this lease agreement delivers real community benefits and does not simply subsidize private gain.
5. Flawed Enrollment Forecasts: A History of Missteps
The VSB has a history of relying on flawed enrollment forecasts, which has already caused serious issues. These inaccurate projections led to the construction of a smaller Fleming School, which reached capacity shortly after its completion. Surrounding schools face similar capacity challenges, yet the Board is proceeding with decisions based on outdated and flawed data. This is perplexing, especially given the obvious growth in enrollment and the ongoing development in the area.
It is imperative that the VSB updates its enrollment forecasts using current data and trends, particularly given the population growth driven by new housing developments. The Board’s current course of action only risks exacerbating future overcrowding and further limiting access to quality education.
6. Misalignment with Broader Urban Planning
The VSB’s decisions appear to be out of step with the Vancouver Plan and the city’s broader urban planning strategy. As Vancouver densifies, more families will move into areas like those surrounding Fleming School. This will only increase demand for school spaces. Disposing of public land—whether through sale or long-term lease—in growth areas is a short-sighted mismanagement of public assets, which undermines the long-term educational infrastructure needed to support these communities.
7. Irreversible Decisions: Future Capacity at Risk
Leasing public land for 99 years effectively locks out future generations from its use. Given the current capacity issues at Fleming School and surrounding areas, this decision risks leaving future families with inadequate educational infrastructure. As Vancouver’s population continues to grow, the need for school spaces will become more urgent, and reversing these decisions will be costly, if not impossible.
8. Rebuilding Public Trust through Transparency and Accountability
Public frustration with the VSB is understandable. Decisions are being made without transparency, based on outdated data, and in the face of overwhelming public opposition—72% of respondents in consultations opposed the Fleming site lease. The Board must address these concerns through radical transparency, by releasing all financial details related to the lease and engaging the community in meaningful consultation. Restoring public trust requires a commitment to accountability and ensuring that decisions are grounded in the public interest, not short-term financial gain.
Conclusion: A Strategic Reset is Essential
The VSB must halt all land dispositions—including long-term leases—until a comprehensive review of enrollment data and future community needs is conducted. Public assets, such as the Fleming site, should not be leased based on outdated or inaccurate information. The Board must embrace transparency by releasing all relevant financial details and commit to long-term community planning that prioritizes the future needs of Vancouver’s children.
As Trustees, your responsibility is not just to manage the present, but to safeguard the future. Leasing public land for 99 years jeopardizes the flexibility and capacity of Vancouver’s educational infrastructure. The future of Vancouver’s schools depends on your leadership, integrity, and commitment to public accountability. The community deserves nothing less.
Sincerely,
Vik Khanna
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