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City of North Vancouver approves rezoning the former Ridgeway Annex site for residential development
NORTH VANCOUVER, October 27, 2015—On Monday, October 26, 2015, North Vancouver City Council approved an amendment to the City’s official community plan to rezone the property at 450 East 5th Street. The proposal by Anthem Properties for the construction of nine single-family homes will now proceed on the .58 acre site formerly occupied by Ridgeway Annex. The Annex was permanently closed in 2011 and was not considered viable as a future school site, as the small size of the land parcel does not meet current Ministry standards.
The conditional purchase agreement for the property, valued at $5.1 million, will be finalized between Anthem Properties and the North Vancouver School District. The entire proceeds from the sale will be directed to retire the remaining debt to the Ministry of Education for the rebuilding of Sutherland Secondary and Westview Elementary.
For almost three years, the School District has been diligently working to gain approval from the Ministry of Education to convert the estimated $37.8M seismic project for Argyle Secondary into a full replacement school, with the cost of the preferred option currently estimated at $51.5M. This approval is subject to the earlier debt being repaid and financing the cost difference between the approved seismic upgrade and the requested full replacement school.
“The repayment of this debt to the Ministry represents an important step forward to secure approval for the Arygle replacement project,” says North Vancouver School District Superintendent John Lewis. “The slate is clean, and serves to advance our request with the Ministry for a fully realized Argyle Secondary.”
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City of North Vancouver confirms September 28, 2015 for Ridgeway Annex public hearing
August 4, 2015
On Monday, July 13, 2015, North Vancouver City Council voted to proceed with a public hearing to review a potential amendment to the City’s official community plan. If approved, the amendment would effectively rezone the property at 450 East 5th Street, the site of the former Ridgeway Annex, to permit residential development on the .58 acre site. Ridgeway Annex was permanently closed in 2011 and is not considered viable as a future school site, as the small size of the land parcel does not meet current Ministry standards.
On Monday, July 13, 2015, North Vancouver City Council voted to proceed with a public hearing to review a potential amendment to the City’s official community plan. If approved, the amendment would effectively rezone the property at 450 East 5th Street, the site of the former Ridgeway Annex, to permit residential development on the .58 acre site. Ridgeway Annex was permanently closed in 2011 and is not considered viable as a future school site, as the small size of the land parcel does not meet current Ministry standards.
A conditional purchase agreement for the property, valued at $5.1 million, is in place between Anthem Properties and the North Vancouver School District. Proceeds from the sale would be directed to the remaining debt of $6.2 million to the Ministry of Education for the rebuilding of Sutherland Secondary and Westview Elementary.
The School District was able to undertake the replacement of Sutherland and Westview, in the City of North Vancouver, by borrowing $7.2M from the Ministry of Education—approved on the basis that the debt would be recovered through future surplus land sales. The balance of the debt must be paid back to the Provincial Government on or before December 31, 2015. Should the deadline pass without repayment, it is expected that the Ministry of Education will recover the funds from the School District’s operating budget.
For almost three years, the School District has been diligently working to gain approval from the Ministry of Education to convert the $40M seismic project for Argyle Secondary into a full replacement school at an estimated cost of $49.9M. This approval is contingent upon the earlier debts being repaid.
“Since 2004, renewal of our facilities in the City alone has resulted in a new Sutherland Secondary, a new Westview Elementary, a rebuilt Ridgeway Elementary, a new Carson Graham Secondary and a rebuilt Queen Mary Community School,” says North Vancouver Board of Education Chair Cyndi Gerlach. “Our local community benefits from all of these projects and the Board is committed to fully meeting its obligations to the Province and clearing the way towards a new Argyle Secondary.”
The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2015 at North Vancouver City Hall. Further details will be posted here once confirmed.
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“Clean fill” soil stored at the Cloverley school site is available for groundskeeping needs throughout the school district. Photographed on July 17, 2015.
Summer grounds keeping: taking care of our schools and green spaces
July 21, 2015
Every year, while schools are closed for the summer, our facilities and maintenance team are hard at work tending to school grounds and performing general maintenance work both in and outside our schools.
To avoid disrupting student activities during the school year, and to take advantage of weather conditions, many outdoor maintenance projects, including landscaping, field aeration and seeding, are scheduled for the summer months. Summer is also the time when many roofing, painting, heating and ventilation projects are addressed by our core maintenance team, and contractors. Work is scheduled to be performed during permissible hours, as set by the municipality.
While we recognize that community use and enjoyment of school grounds occurs year-round, it is possible that maintenance work may restrict activities and access from time to time, particularly in the summer.
We thank everyone in the community for their understanding and cooperation with any restrictions that may arise at a particular site. Maintenance and grounds keeping is important work that ensures our facilities are safe and in good condition to support student learning and outdoor activities throughout the year.
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North Vancouver School District announces new provider of childcare/preschool services at Queensbury Elementary
June 17, 2015—The North Vancouver School District is pleased to announce that Rainforest Learning Centre is confirmed to lease the childcare and preschool space at Queensbury Elementary.
The agreement follows a competitive proposal process that evaluated a number of proponents on a wide range of criteria including early learning philosophy, experience in early childhood education, childcare operating experience, services provided and financial position.
Rainforest will offer licensed preschool that includes an Early Learning Foundations (ELF) component in its programming and before and after school care at the portable facility located on the grounds of Queensbury Elementary school at 520 East 20th Street, North Vancouver. Since 1996, Rainforest Learning Centre has provided licensed daycare and educational programs to more than 1,000 children at their two locations in Langley and Coquitlam.
“High-quality, accessible childcare meets an ever-pressing need for young families,” says John Lewis, superintendent of the North Vancouver School District. “Preschool and childcare programs support healthy child development and promote school readiness through play-based learning. We are pleased to be able to facilitate a potentially broader range of childcare services for the Queensbury community through the lease to Rainforest.”
“We are pleased to bring our licensed child care services to the Queensbury/Grand Boulevard community,” says Jennifer McDougall, owner/operator of Rainforest Learning Centre. “We are looking forward to working with Queensbury Elementary staff and parents to provide a safe, enjoyable and enriching experiences for the children in our care.”
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Q&A: Queensbury Childcare
Monteray site sold: proceeds to be directed to the Argyle Secondary replacement project
June 11, 2015
The North Vancouver School District is pleased to announce the sale of its property at 4343 Starlight Way, the site of the former Monteray Elementary school, to Morningstar Homes. The $6.38M sale was completed following approval by the District of North Vancouver, which included a public hearing process and extensive prior community consultation by the School District. Proceeds from the sale of the Monteray site will be directed towards funding the proposed full replacement of Argyle Secondary.
The new residential development planned for Starlight Way will feature 12 single-family lots and two park areas. Preparations for demolition of the current building are now underway. For future updates and project information please visit the website of Morningstar Homes http://www.mstarhomes.com.
“The sale of Monteray represents a significant advancement in our ability to fund the proposed full replacement of Argyle Secondary,” says Cyndi Gerlach, chair of the North Vancouver Board of Education. “We thank Morningstar Homes for their professionalism and public consultation process and we appreciate the work of District Council and staff in supporting our vision for a new, efficient and sustainably designed school for the Argyle community.”
Monteray school was permanently closed in 2004 following an extended period of lowering enrolment due to changes in neighborhood demographics—primarily a decline in the number of school-age children in the area. As well, the 1.17-hectare site is too small to meet current Ministry of Education standards for a school, making rezoning for residential development the highest and best possible use for the site going forward.
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Status update: proposed Argyle replacement school project
March 3, 2015
On Monday, March 2, 2015, John Lewis, Superintendent of North Vancouver Schools, delivered an Argyle Capital Project Update at Argyle Secondary. The presentation reviewed the background of the project, dating back to 2005 and compared the benefits of a full school replacement to a seismic upgrade only. Cost estimates and potential funding streams to finance a full replacement project were also presented.
View the presentation here: ArgylePresentation Mar15
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Trustees meet with City of North Vancouver Mayor and Council members
November 12, 2014
On October 28, 2014, Trustees of the Board of Education met with the Mayor and Council members of the City of North Vancouver, along with senior staff from each organization. The meeting was held in response to the two City Council motions of April 28, 2014 requesting a meeting with the Board to discuss the School District’s land planning process and options for the Lucas and Cloverley sites.
At the meeting, Superintendent of Schools John Lewis made a presentation that covered the topics of:
1. Ministry Mandate, Vision, Goals and Guiding Principles
2. Community Consultation / Community Engagement
3. Demographics and Capacity
4. School District Properties / Funding Capital Projects
5. Surplus sites update
6. Supporting unfunded capital project
Meeting participants were provided with the Land, Learning and Livability Update of October 2014, posted to the School District website. Following the meeting, additional information was provided to the City as summarized in this letter: NVSDLetterCNV 30Oct14
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Clarification for the community: Status of Lucas Centre and Cloverley school properties
October 15, 2014
In recent weeks, misinformation and inaccurate statements regarding the current status of the Lucas Centre and Cloverley school lands has created confusion and concern in communities and neighborhoods connected to both sites. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify the official status of both properties here. Neither the Lucas Centre nor Cloverley sites have been sold, nor has any process of sale been initiated for these properties. Only preliminary discussions have taken place to engage the community on the potential uses of this land and how it might be managed to meet present and future needs.
The Board looks forward to a second stage of public engagement and discussions regarding both sites beginning in 2015. In the meantime, we encourage all interested community members to subscribe to our Land, Learning and Livability blog, where information and updates on all the school district’s surplus properties, including Cloverley and Lucas, are posted.
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Update: District of North Vancouver to Purchase Former Keith Lynn School Site
September 3, 2014
The District of North Vancouver has reached an agreement with the North Vancouver School District to purchase the former Keith Lynn School site for $5 million. The 2.28 hectare property is located close to the Upper Levels Highway and Mountain Highway, making it important for future roadway and infrastructure improvements planned for the Second Narrows bridgehead area.
“This particular piece of land is of real strategic value to the entire North Shore for improving traffic flow on and off the bridge and the east/west connectivity across the bridgehead,” says Mayor Richard Walton. “We’re working with the Ministry to develop a plan to get that work funded and underway”.
Keith Lynn School was closed in 2012 and currently sits vacant. While plans for improvements to the bridgehead interchange area are being finalized with senior governments, the District’s Fire Department and other emergency service providers may make use of the property and structures for training purposes. There is also potential for future municipal uses on any lands remaining after the final design/construction of the highway improvements are completed.
“The sale of this property represents a significant step forward in generating revenue for the proposed rebuilding of Argyle Secondary,” says Franci Stratton, Chair of the North Vancouver Board of Education. “This is another positive result of our efforts to repurpose some of our surplus properties to finance modern, safe and welcoming facilities that meet the needs of students and the community.”
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For more information, please contact
Stephanie Smiley, Communications
District of North Vancouver
604.990.2284 / smileys@dnv.org
Victoria Miles, Communications
North Vancouver School District
604.903.1254 / vmiles@sd44.ca
Update: Board of Education approves potential sale of Keith Lynn school site to the District of North Vancouver
June 19, 2014
At the June 17, 2014 public meeting of the North Vancouver Board of Education, the Board approved a motion to allow the sale of the Keith Lynn school site, located at 1290 Shavington Street, to the District of North Vancouver (DNV). With this approval, the School District can now further discussions with the DNV regarding the potential sale of the property for a price of $5 million, “subject to such adjustments and on such other terms and conditions as the Secretary Treasurer may consider reasonable and in the best interests of the Board.”
In July of 2012, a request for proposals for the Keith Lynn property generated one qualified proponent, who later withdrew their offer during the due diligence phase. The District of North Vancouver subsequently indicated interest in purchasing the site for a highway connector to the Seylynn Town Centre, as part of the highway improvement project being considered by the municipality and the provincial government. In mid-May of 2014, the DNV presented an offer to purchase the Keith Lynn site.
Due to its extremely poor condition and in conjunction with the consolidation and relocation of the School District’s alternate programs, Keith Lynn Alternate Secondary school was permanently closed in June of 2011. The school has been vacant since closure. The potential sale represents another positive outcome for the School District’s Land, Learning and Livability initiatives. Revenues from the sale of the Keith Lynn property will be directed towards the full replacement costs of Argyle Secondary, in keeping with the conditions of the agreement the Board has in place with the Ministry of Education for these particular funds.
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June 18, 2014
Land, Learning and Livability update
At the June 17th public meeting of the North Vancouver Board of Education, the Board received an update from the superintendent summarizing the status of all its current land management initiatives. The update is posted here: LandLearningandLivabilityCommunityEngagementUpdate140617
April 30, 2014
Board of Education approves 10-year lease of Plymouth school site by Lions Gate Christian Academy
At the April 29th public meeting of the North Vancouver Board of Education, the Board approved a 10-year agreement, for the Lions Gate Christian Academy to lease the Plymouth School site.
The agreement was arrived at following a six-month process that began in October of 2013, when the Board issued a Request for Proposals for the future use of the Plymouth school site. The LGCA emerged as the lead proponent from this process and is currently working through the District of North Vancouver’s rezoning application to allow for the relocation of the school’s modular unit and gymnasium to the Plymouth site prior to September 1, 2014. As the rezoning review is still underway, the LGCA retains the right to terminate the lease if they are unable to secure the approvals to rezone.
The lease agreement represents another successful outcome for the School District’s land management initiatives. Revenue will be applied to ongoing capital needs in the School District, similar to the Fromme, Lonsdale Creek, Maplewood, and Westover sites, the property is retained by the Board for possible future needs. As well, the use of the site as a school is complementary to its past use in the neighborhood, and the arrangement supports a stable and consistent use of the site for the next ten years.
“This lease with the Lions Gate Christian Academy represents another solution in our land management initiatives,” says Franci Stratton, chair of the North Vancouver Board of Education. “We’re pleased to have an agreement that meets our objectives and the needs of their school community.”
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March 10, 2014
Review the report from the February 19th and 20th open houses at the Lucas Centre and Cloverley sites here. LucasCloverleyOHSummReport 19_20Feb14
February 11, 2014
This report from the January 29th and 30th workshops with Lucas Centre and Cloverley school neighbourhood representatives presents early input received in the process of considering the future of both sites.
StakeholderWorkshopInputSummary Jan14
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February 7, 2014
In January small group meetings were held with representatives from local neighbourhood associations in the vicinity of the Lucas Centre and Cloverley school sites. Representatives were asked to provide insight in advance of the upcoming February Open Houses, and were provided with a background presentation on the status of both sites in the School District.
View the Cloverley presentation here: Cloverley Presentation January 2014.
View the Lucas Centre presentation here: Lucas Centre Presentation January 2014
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February 6, 2014
Notice of Public Open Houses in February for the Lucas Centre and Cloverley School Sites
North Vancouver Board selects Lions Gate Christian Academy as lead proponent for Plymouth
January 22, 2014
The Board of Education has identified Lions Gate Christian Academy as the lead proponent for the Plymouth school and site, with Darwin Construction and Polygon Homes (Morningstar Development Limited) remaining as alternates.
The Board will proceed with a Letter of Intent with the Lions Gate Christian Academy to establish the conditions for lease negotiations and a due diligence period of up to 90 days for the mutual benefit of the parties. The due diligence period will provide time to address the District of North Vancouver Public Assembly Land Policy requirements and to arrange a meeting in the Plymouth community regarding the proposed re-use of the school and site by the Lions Gate Christian Academy.
The public meeting tentatively scheduled for January 28th at Plymouth School has been postponed. School District staff will meet with District of North Vancouver to determine the requirements for this public meeting and, once these are determined, will communicate the dates for a future public meeting.
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North Vancouver Board of Education approves the sale of Monteray school site
November 27, 2013
At its public meeting on November 26, 2013, the North Vancouver Board of Education read and adopted Disposal of Real Property Bylaw No. 2013-2 Monteray school. The School District will now proceed to enter into an agreement to sell, and complete the sale of, the Monteray property to Morningstar Development Ltd., for a sale price of at least $6.38 million.
An experienced specialist in single-family homes, Morningstar is now in a position to move forward with their due diligence process.
Monteray school was officially closed in June of 2004. The building was leased for several years, but has been vacant since March 31, 2011.
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October 23, 2013
Update: October 22nd Land, Learning and Livability Report to Board of Education
An update on the Land, Learning and Livability process was provided to the North Vancouver Board of Education at its public meeting on October 22, 2013. Find the report here.
October 17, 2013
Update: Land, Learning and Livability Status Report Released
A current status report featuring each of the 11 properties in the Land, Learning and Livability Community Engagement process is now available. The report also includes a summary of community engagement initiatives since the Spring of 2012, when the North Vancouver Board of Education embarked upon the process to facilitate public involvement and awareness of NVSD land management initiatives.
Read the report here: LLL UPDATE 7October2013
October 10, 2013
Update: Plymouth School
In the Spring of 2013, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation was the successful proponent in a public Request for Proposals issued by the North Vancouver School District for the future use of Plymouth School. The Nation had proposed to open a skills and trades training program for young adults on the site.
Since that time, the Nation and the School District have conducted a series of negotiations towards a lease agreement for the former school.
Both parties have contributed significant time and energy to the lease negotiations. Unfortunately, both parties have been unable to come to terms that are mutually beneficial to both the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the North Vancouver School District. For this reason, they have agreed to conclude negotiations rather than proceed to a formal lease.
The North Vancouver School District and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation maintain a sound belief in the value of a skills and trades training program for young adults in North Vancouver. Both parties look forward to further collaborating on the concept in the future should a new opportunity arise.
The School District will consider various options for the Plymouth school and site in the coming weeks.
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August 2, 2013
Request for Proposals
The North Vancouver School District is seeking redevelopment Proposals for the disposition of the former Monteray Elementary School lands located at 4343 Starlight Way, North Vancouver BC . The School District seeks interested parties in developing low-density, residential housing with innovative design concepts that utilize existing topography and green spaces.
Proponents are asked to read and familiarize themselves with this blog as it includes valuable information about the Board’s objectives in relation to its land management initiatives.
For a complete copy of Request for Proposals, Monteray Elementary School, RFP #130802-4, please see the BC Bid website.
The closing date for Proposals is September 18, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. Local Time.
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North Vancouver Board of Education approves the sale of Ridgeway Annex school site
July 18, 2013
At its public meeting on July 18, 2013, the North Vancouver Board of Education proceeded to the third and final reading of Disposal of Real Property Bylaw No. 2013-1 Ridgeway Annex School. Following considerable discussion and deliberation, the Bylaw motion was passed and adopted. The School District will now proceed to enter into an agreement to sell, and complete the sale of, the Ridgeway Annex School to Anthem Properties Group Ltd. for a sale price of at least $5.1 M.
As Chair Stratton observed in her concluding commentary that prefaced the decision, “Anthem Properties is now in a position to move forward with the community through the City of North Vancouver’s municipal process to create, from a boarded up building, the highest and best use for the future of this site”.
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North Vancouver Board of Education and North Shore Studios conclude negotiations on the redevelopment of Keith Lynn site
July 17, 2013
Following several months of discussions with North Shore Studios Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Bosa Development Corporation), the North Vancouver Board of Education and the Studios have mutually agreed to end negotiations without proceeding to an agreement. The parties have been unable to come to terms and conditions that are satisfactory to both sides.
The Board will shift its focus to evaluating other options and possibilities for the site when the School District returns to full service in September.
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North Vancouver Board of Education schedules second July public meeting to address Ridgeway Annex property
July 17, 2013
The public is welcome to attend the second of two meetings of the North Vancouver Board of Education regarding an agreement of sale of the Ridgeway Annex site to Anthem Properties.
Time and date: 7 pm, Thursday, July 18, 2013
Location: 5th Floor, Education Services Centre, 2121 Lonsdale Avenue
This second meeting is subsequent to the public Board meeting of Tuesday, July 16th, when the Board deliberated the recommendation to proceed to an agreement of sale, and completion of sale, of the Ridgeway Annex property. Further to this review and discussion, Disposal of Real Property Bylaw No. 2013-1 Ridgeway Annex School was read for a first and second time. As there was not unanimous consent by trustees to proceed to a third and final reading on Tuesday, the Thursday meeting was called by the chair in keeping with procedure.
The Schedule of summary information, including the history of the community consultation and sale process to date, is posted here.
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North Vancouver Board of Education schedules July public meeting to address Ridgeway Annex property
July 8, 2013
The public is welcome to attend the upcoming meeting of the North Vancouver Board of Education regarding the Ridgeway Annex property. The Board is expected to make a decision at this meeting regarding an agreement of sale of the site to Anthem Properties.
Time and date: 7 pm, July 16, 2013
Location: 5th Floor, Education Services Centre, 2121 Lonsdale Avenue
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Land, learning and livability Year II report released
July 4, 2013
A summary report of our community consultation activities for the second year of “Land, learning and livability” has been released. Please find the report here:
Land Learning Livability Year 2
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North Vancouver Board of Education announces intent to pursue the potential of a full replacement of Argyle Secondary
NORTH VANCOUVER, May 2, 2013—At the April 23rd public meeting of the North Vancouver Board of Education, trustees approved several recommendations to initiate a formal approach to potentially converting the approved seismic upgrade project for Argyle Secondary to a full replacement school project. Specifically, trustees approved:
• That the Board of Education proceed with a Project Identification Report for the full replacement of Argyle Secondary school, parallel with the Seismic Upgrade Project Definition Report being prepared for the Ministry of Education;
• That the Board of Education write to the Ministry of Education to formally request the conversion of the Argyle Seismic Upgrade project to a full replacement school project; and
• That the Board of Education collaborate with its partner groups, the community, and the Corporation of the District of North Vancouver to advance the Argyle capital project as a full replacement school.
“These commitments underscore the importance the Board places upon securing a full replacement school for the Argyle community,” says Chair Stratton. “Given the age and condition of the school, the Board believes that full replacement is in the best interest of students and the entire community. While we understand that the Ministry of Education may not be in a position to fund the full costs of replacement, we believe that a funding solution can be achieved in partnership with the Ministry.”
The estimated cost of a seismic upgrade for Argyle is currently $30.9 million. The estimated cost of the full replacement of Argyle is $44.8 million. The next stage in the capital process for the approved seismic upgrade project is the development of a Project Definition Report, which provides greater details related to the construction process, the accommodation of students during construction, and a further refinement of cost estimates. To advance the potential of a full replacement school, the Board must also produce a Project Identification Report summarizing the replacement project, as well as its potential for joint use opportunities and community amenities. These elements will be addressed through collaboration with the District of North Vancouver, partner groups and the community.
BACKGROUND: The present Argyle Secondary was built in 1960 with most of its subsequent additions completed between 1966 and 1969. The need for a replacement school is supported by the rationale that includes:
• Enrolment. The Argyle student population continues to exceed the capacity of the current school and is projected to remain at similar levels for the foreseeable future.
• Building condition. Eight of Argyle’s ten blocks have been assessed as being at the end of their usable life.
• Inefficiencies. An inefficient layout of the building is marked by isolated segments and standalone structures, due to the variety of additions and renovations made over the years. This structure hampers movement, site security and supervision.
• Outdated learning environments. Major sections of the current Argyle school building, including the gymnasium and drama room, cannot be upgraded for accessibility without incurring the expense of major renovations or additions. Classes and programs that are underserved by the present building include drama (which operates out of a renovated classroom with no theatre); science (the science department is spread over several floors, building blocks and rooms—an inefficient learning environment) and shop (shop space is not functionally effective for the skills being taught).
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For further information:
Victoria Miles, Communications Manager
North Vancouver School District 604.903.1254 vmiles@nvsd44.bc.ca
North Vancouver Board of Education announces Fall 2013 community engagement process on the future of Cloverley school and Lucas Centre/LMCC properties
NORTH VANCOUVER, May 2, 2013—At the April 23rd public meeting of the North Vancouver Board of Education, a forthcoming public input and community engagement process was confirmed for the Cloverley school and Lucas Centre/LMCC properties.
The engagement process, planned for the Fall of 2013, will be informed by the School District’s updated Facilities Plan in relation to the Official Community Plans for both the City and District of North Vancouver municipalities.
“We look forward to the community’s participation in these input opportunities for the future of the Cloverley school site and the Lucas Centre/LMCC,” says Board Chair Franci Stratton. “Early input was received through the Board’s ‘Land, Learning and Livability’ engagement process. This is the next stage in understanding the options to realize the full potential of these properties.”
Further information on these engagement opportunities will be posted to www.nvsd44.bc.ca and http://www.blog44.ca/landmanagement as dates and details are confirmed.
Permanently closed as an enrolling public school in 1982, Cloverley school is presently in use by the Queen Mary school community until the end of 2013, when the heritage restoration and rebuilding of Queen Mary Elementary will be complete.
The Lucas Centre (previously Hamilton Jr. Secondary) was opened in 1955. The Leo Marshall Curriculum Centre (previously Prince Charles School) opened in 1962. Both closed in 1982 as enrolling public schools. The buildings were subsequently used to support several programs and service departments. Support services formerly located at the LMCC moved to the new Education Services Centre on Lonsdale in 2012.
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Victoria Miles, Communications Manager
North Vancouver School District 604.903.1254 vmiles@nvsd44.bc.ca
North Vancouver School District announces Anthem Properties as lead proponent for Ridgeway Annex site
NORTH VANCOUVER, April 3, 2013—Franci Stratton, chair of the North Vancouver Board of Education, is pleased to announce that Anthem Properties has been confirmed as the lead proponent for the redevelopment of the Ridgeway Annex site. The Board will now enter into negotiations with Anthem Properties to determine the terms and conditions of an agreement of sale for consideration by the Board.
“We’re pleased to be moving forward in addressing the future of this property,” says Chair Stratton. “Potential proceeds from the sale of the Annex site will allow the Board to fund other vital improvements in the School District that are not covered by government funding. For example, our investments in the rebuilding of Westview Elementary (completed in 2007) and Sutherland Secondary (completed in 2008) have an outstanding cost of approximately $ 7 million still to be addressed. As a Board, we are committed to ensuring that the assets of the School District are fully valued and bring the highest return to support the programs, services and facilities that serve our students.”
“We are delighted to enter into a working relationship with the School District of North Vancouver with a view to repositioning the Ridgeway Annex site back into the neighborhood as a residential solution,” says Anthem Properties CEO Eric Carlson. “Our intent is to facilitate a meaningful dialogue between the community, the City of North Vancouver, the School District and Anthem to determine a winning outcome for all. We visualize a redevelopment complementing and fitting into the existing neighborhood that local residents will be able to walk by and view with a degree of pleasure and even pride.”
Located at 450 East 5th Street in the City of North Vancouver, the .58-hectare Ridgeway Annex property has been vacant since July of 2011. The newly rebuilt Ridgeway Elementary now accommodates over 400 K-7 students in the neighborhood, and the Annex site, with its limited space, is no longer viable as a location for a school.
“Since the Spring of 2011, we have been engaged in an open dialogue with the community on the future of a number of surplus properties in the School District,” says Chair Stratton. “Input provided by local residents helped inform the Board’s decision to proceed with Anthem Properties as the proponent most able to meet the Board’s extensive criteria for the Ridgeway Annex property.
As the Anthem proposal involves redevelopment of the site, community input and consultation will continue to be facilitated through the Municipal process. Further updates are expected later this Spring, after the Board and Anthem have completed the next phase of discussions regarding the agreement going forward.
The North Vancouver School District serves over 16,000 K-12 students with a vision to provide “world-class instruction and a rich diversity of engaging programs to inspire success for every student and bring communities together to learn, share and grow.”
Anthem Properties is a 150-person real estate investment, development and management company operating in Western Canada, headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. Anthem has invested in, developed, and or managed, alone or in partnership, over 210 projects, in virtually all asset classes, with a cumulative historical value of approximately $2.5 billion. Creating Real Estate That Works for over twenty years, Anthem is committed to building projects that are architecturally appropriate for, and satisfy the needs of, our homeowners, tenants and neighbours. For further information, please visit the Company’s web site at: www.anthemproperties.com.
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Update regarding the RFP for Keith Lynn facility and site
March 13, 2013
The Board of Education has now completed its final review of the proposals for the Keith Lynn facility and site and has identified North Shore Studios Ltd. as the lead proponent for the redevelopment of the Keith Lynn site. The Board will now engage in discussions with North Shore Studios Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Bosa Development Corporation) to develop the terms and conditions of an agreement for the consideration of the Board of Education.
The Board of Education also expresses its sincere appreciation to the Transformation Education Society and the Gulf Islands School District for their interest in the potential re-use of the Keith Lynn site to support the continued operation of the Windsor House Program in North Vancouver. The Board will consult with the Gulf Islands School District to facilitate a short-term extension to their current lease at the Lucas Centre.
As the proposal of the North Shore Studios Ltd. involves the redevelopment of the Keith Lynn site, a public information meeting will be arranged for neighbouring residents. Community input and consultation will also occur through the established Municipal process in the coming months.
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Update regarding the RFP for Ridgeway Annex and site
February 28, 2013
The Board of Education has now completed its final review of the redevelopment proposals of Anthem Properties and Darwin Properties and has identified Anthem Properties as the lead proponent for the redevelopment of the Ridgeway Annex site. The Board will now enter into negotiations with Anthem Properties to determine the terms and conditions of an agreement of sale for the consideration of the Board of Education.
The Board of Education expresses its sincere appreciation for the interest of Darwin Properties in the Ridgeway Annex site and will reserve Darwin Properties as an alternate to the lead proponent.
As the proposal of Anthem Properties involves the redevelopment of the Ridgeway Annex site, community input and consultation will occur through the Municipal process in the coming months.
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Update regarding the RFP for Plymouth School and site
February 20, 2013
Following the Community Meeting of December 4, the proponents for the redevelopment and/or re-use of the Plymouth School facility and site were evaluated. The input received at the Community Meeting and submitted in writing was one of the important criteria considered in the evaluation process.
The Board of Education was pleased to receive four quality proponents for the future use of the Plymouth School facility and site. Upon the application of the evaluation criteria and careful review and consideration by the Board of Education, the Board of Education has determined that it will now proceed with discussion with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to achieve a final agreement.
The proposal for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Skills Centre provided the Board with a comprehensive overview of how Plymouth School can be repurposed, under a lease agreement, to support aboriginal and non-aboriginal education and skills development. By providing essential skills support and apprenticeship training programs, the Tsleil-Waututh proposal complements the School District’s commitment to improving learning outcomes for students of Aboriginal ancestry. The opportunities for partnerships with Capilano University, SeaSpan, Industry Training Authority, and the British Columbia Institute of Technology are additional components of the TWN proposal that support the School District’s goal to strengthen and expand reciprocal community relations.
While the Plymouth building will retain its neighborhood school status, potential renovations, upgrades and site improvements, at TWN expense, will serve to enhance the building and ensure its continued operation as a community asset, while still being retained for the future needs of the School District.
The Board of Education expresses its sincere appreciation for the interest of Darwin Properties, Lions Gate Christian Academy, and Polygon Pacific Homes in the Plymouth School facility and site. Each of these proponents provided interesting proposals for the potential redevelopment and re-use of the Plymouth School facility and site.
As the proposal of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation involves the re-use of the current facility, the Board will work in close cooperation with the proponents, the community, and the District of North Vancouver to keep residents and community members informed as we proceed with this exciting opportunity.
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Update: Ridgeway Annex School Site – RFP Selection Process
January 18, 2013
Following the Community Meeting of November 20, the proponents for the redevelopment and/or re-use of the Ridgeway Annex and site were evaluated. The input received at the Community Meeting and submitted in writing was one of the important criteria considered in the evaluation process.
The Board of Education was pleased to receive four quality proponents for the future use of the Ridgeway Annex and site. Upon the application of the evaluation criteria and the consideration by the Board of Education, the Board determined that it will proceed with a final phase of the selection process with Anthem Properties and Darwin Properties.
The Board of Education expresses its sincere appreciation for the interest of both the Atti Group of Companies and KidsLand Childcare Centre in the Ridgeway Annex site. Both proponents provided interesting proposals for the potential redevelopment and re-use of Ridgeway Annex and site.
The four short-listed proponents were evaluated using the criteria provided below.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Consistency and harmony with the Vision and Values of the North Vancouver School District
- Alignment with the School District’s Values and Goals: Trust, Respect, Responsibility, and Collaboration
- Alignment with Goals and Objectives of the 2011-2021 Strategic Plan: leadership in environmental education and sustainability practices, and strengthening and expanding reciprocal community relations
- Land, Learning and Livability Guiding Principles: to realize the maximum social and financial value of school district assets, while also repurposing lands through strategic use of long-term leases to address evolving community needs such as affordable housing, recreation, green space, and childcare
- Compatibility of the proposed use within the neighbourhood
- Compatibility of the proposed use within the Municipality’s OCP
- The proposed financial terms and conditions, including lease or purchase options
- Community input provided at the community meeting and by written submissions.
- As the proposals of Anthem Properties and Darwin Properties both involve redevelopment options for the Ridgeway Annex site, the Board will continue to examine either long-term lease and/or sale with both proponents. There will be further community input and consultation through the Municipal process, once the final proponent is selected.
The outcome of the final phase of the selection process will be provided in our next update on the Ridgeway Annex site, prior to the spring break.
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Update: Plymouth school property
January 18, 2013
On December 4, 2012 the NVSD hosted a community meeting to provide an opportunity for Trustees and the public to hear presentations by proponents on proposals submitted to the Request for Proposals for the former Plymouth school property. Over 320 people attended the meeting.
Main themes identified from comments provided:
Darwin Properties
- Interest in green space and proposed park space
- Support for proposal with lower density but concern that density might increase
- Length of time to build
- Infrastructure needs of development
- Traffic management from access to fire truck turn around
Lions Gate Christian Academy
- Clarification of development process, expansion and phased approach
- Questions about the type of curriculum, differences between public vs. independent school
- Geographic scope of students
- Number of students and impact on traffic and parking
- Questions about funding, site maintenance and upgrades to facility
Polygon Pacific Homes
- Density concerns regarding number of units, set backs
- Traffic management related to density and site access
- Discussion about the suggested amenities that focused on trails and the park
- Concern about the amount of parking for visitors and units
- Cost of units and potential impact on value of neighbouring homes
Tsleil-Waututh Nation
- Supervision concerns related to student population
- Programming curriculum and timing of programs
- Questions on whether First Nations students would be priority, and/or other students from North Shore or throughout BC would be accepted
- Questions about TWN industry relationships, partnerships and affiliations
- Clarification of how funding would be allocated to upgrades and programming and lease payment structure
Presentations by proponents at December 4, 2012 Community Meeting for Plymouth school
December 17, 2012
On Tuesday, December 4th, presentations were made by four proponents with proposals for the future of the Plymouth school property. The presentations were made to trustees at a meeting for the community at Plymouth school.
Four proponents: Darwin Construction; Lions Gate Christian Academy; Polygon; and the Tseil-Waututh Nation presented their ideas and summary proposals at the meeting. Their presentations are provided here.
Darwin Construction Public public presentation
Lions Gate Christian Academy public presentation
Polygon public presentation
Tsleil-Waututh Nation public presentation
Summary of themes from November 20, 2012 Ridgeway Annex Community Meeting
December 14, 2012
On November 20th, 2012 the North Vancouver School District hosted a community meeting to provide an opportunity for trustees and the public to hear presentations by proponents on proposals submitted to the Request for Proposals for the former Ridgeway Annex property. Over 100 people attended the meeting and a number of questions were submitted for response. Find the questions and answers here.
The main themes identified from comments provided are:
Anthem Properties
- Residents would like to retain green space with mixed support for pocket park
- Developer demonstrated passion, experience and history as a local developer
- Residents expressed preference for lower density option
- Relative affordability was desired
- Length of time for construction of the development was a concern
Atti Group
- Residents expressed concern about density of proposal
- Concerns regarding the potential for additional traffic and street parking
- Questions as to whether increased density on Ridgeway Annex lands would lead to increased density in surrounding area
- Relative affordability was desired
- Length of time for construction of the development was a concern
Darwin Properties
- Questions about housing types, height, whether duplex option would have suites
- There was a strong preference for smaller single family homes
- Interest in green space and larger publicly accessible park shown in presentation
- Concerned about the length of time of construction
- Concerns around the additional parking requirements for new development
Kidsland Child Care Centre
- Questions raised about the affordability of care (universality)
- Questions raised regarding the ability of the proponent to meet the financial obligations associated with their proposal
- Concern about facility maintenance based on past neighbor experience
- Concerns about the extent of market research undertaken to support future plans
- Concerns about experience in leasing facilities for the proposed endeavor
Presentations by proponents at November 20, 2012 Community Meeting for Ridgeway Annex
November 21, 2012
On Tuesday, November 20th, presentations were made by four proponents with proposals for the future of the Ridgeway Annex property. The presentations were made to trustees at a meeting for the community at Ridgeway Annex. The meeting included a brief review of the community engagement process from earlier this year; outlined the criteria for the Board’s decision-making and a tentative timeline for next steps. This introduction is provided here.
Four proponents: Anthem Properties; Atti Group of Companies; Darwin Properties and Kidsland Childcare Centre presented their ideas and summary proposals at the meeting. Their presentations are provided here.
Atti Group Public Peresentation
Feedback on the meeting is welcome and may be provided using this form. Please scan, complete and return the form to: engagement@nvsd44.bc.ca or to:
North Vancouver School District
2121 Lonsdale Avenue
North Vancouver BC
V7M 2K6
Attention: Communications
Please note the deadline for completed forms is November 30, 2012.
RFP update and community meetings schedule for Ridgeway Annex and Plymouth properties
October 26th, 2012
The Board of Education is pleased to report that strong interest was expressed to the Request for Proposals for four surplus sites: Keith Lynn, Monteray, Plymouth and Ridgeway Annex. A range of proposed re-use and redevelopment options were received for the consideration of the Board.
Each of the proposals was carefully reviewed based on the criteria provided for each of the surplus sites. A short-list of proponents was identified for the Keith Lynn, Plymouth and Ridgeway Annex sites for further consideration. Proposals received for the Monteray site were not sufficient to advance. The Board will determine its next steps for the future of the Monteray site in the coming weeks and months.
Four proponents for the re-use and redevelopment of the Ridgeway Annex School and site will be invited to present their proposal at a public meeting to be held at Ridgeway Annex in late November, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. The public meeting will provide an opportunity for early public input into the proposals and for the consideration of the Board of Education.
Four proponents for the re-use and redevelopment of the Plymouth School and site will be invited to present their proposal at a public meeting to be held at Plymouth School in late November, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. The public meeting will provide an opportunity for early public input into the proposals and for the consideration of the Board of Education.
Proponents for the Keith Lynn site will now be provided with the opportunity to complete a due diligence process that takes into further consideration the building condition and site limitations. New and additional information is being provided to each of the proponents to assist in their assessment of the property and to prepare and submit a revised proposal by December 14, 2012. Following an assessment of these proposals, proponents selected for advancement to the next phase of the consideration process will be required to present their proposal at a public meeting in early 2013.
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