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New Elementary School at Coal Harbour



   Google Map of Coal Harbour 

In 2018, the Vancouver School Board (VSB) approved an agreement with BC Hydro to allow for the construction of a new underground substation at the Roberts Annex (RA) site. In return, VSB secured fixed funding with the intention to fully fund and build a new elementary school in Coal Harbour (CH), as well as a new full-sized elementary school at the RA site once the substation is complete. Funding for the new school was approved and announced on October 22, 2019.

In June 2021, Vancouver City Council approved a multi-use development at 482 Broughton Street, which includes:

  • A three-story elementary school with a capacity of 340 students
    • A much needed school in the downtown area, that will expand the capacity of the Roberts catchment with an additional seven classrooms, approximately 170 students.
  • 69 school-aged child care spaces 
  • A separate 4th floor child care space for 65 children aged 0-5.
  • 60 affordable home for rent, with over 50 per cent of units designed for families with children

As a multi-use building, this project is jointly funded by the VSB and City and the delivery is being led by the City of Vancouver. A virtual open house was held between January 4 to 11, 2021. View the presentation boards.

Construction of the new school began in February 2022 and it is currently expected to be ready for students in the 2026-2027 school year. Upon completion, students and staff from Roberts Annex will move into the new Coal Harbour Elementary School.

UPDATES

October 2, 2025, update 

The City informed the District that it is not confident the building will be ready for occupancy in fall 2025, as previously expected. The City’s goal is for the school to be complete and ready for students for the start of the 2026-2027 school year, while aiming for construction completion in the spring. Should completion occur sooner, we would move students in at the earliest feasible time.   

The new school in Coal Harbour is unique in that it integrates an elementary school, child care centre, affordable housing and connects to nearby community amenities across several floors. The City has explained this mixed-use site makes the project complex to begin with. Compounding this are the industry-wide challenges such as supply chain issues, changing market conditions, as well as a shortage of skilled labour. Site constraints have also affected progress, including limited space for staging and storage, proximity to the shore, poor soil conditions and the need for extensive groundwork.  

We understand this is not the news that Coal Harbour community was hoping for. The City is actively monitoring progress and exploring opportunities to accelerate completion.  

Archives

March 6, 2025 update

The City has informed the District that due to several project challenges, the building’s completion, originally planned for September 2025, has been delayed until mid-fall 2025. 

While awaiting the new school's completion, students assigned to the school will be temporarily placed at Roberts Annex with a few classes placed at Roberts Elementary, ensuring continuity in their education. The District has planned student placements to maximize available space, minimize disruptions and ensure classroom stability. Students, their classroom teacher and support staff from the new school will begin the school year in their temporary classroom together, allowing for a smooth transition once the new school opens.

We  thank the families in the Roberts/Roberts Annex catchment in advance for their patience and cooperation and look forward to welcoming students to a new, modern and seismically safe school soon. 

More information about the project’s progress can be found on the City’s website. For construction related questions, please contact the City at coalharbourphase2@vancouver.ca. 

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