The District implements the best practices for engagement by the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) standards spectrum under AP 106 – District Public Engagement.

The engagement goal is to provide an opportunity for all parties to share feedback regarding the surplus consideration and possible disposition of the QEA site for the Board’s consideration. 

Also outlined in Policy 20, the engagement process must include: 

• Consideration of future enrolment growth in the school District, including K-12, adult programs, and early learning
• Consideration of alternative community use of surplus space in school buildings and other facilities
• Fair consideration of community input, and adequate opportunity for the community to respond to the Board’s plan for the Real Property

Engagement opportunities

As per Policy 20, prior to determining future land use, the District must engage with key community members. In the month of February, the District will engage with the following groups: 

• January: reached out to the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil‐Waututh) Nations to seek their input and feedback.  
• February 15: stakeholder engagement workshop where attendees were provided a discussion guide to review beforehand. 
• February 23 – March 9: 10-minute survey, available 
• March 8: virtual information session for school communities and neighbourhood associations in the vicinity of QEA
• February 23: virtual information session for school communities and neighbourhood associations in the vicinity of QEA
  1. School communities include Queen Elizabeth Annex, Queen Elizabeth Elementary, Jules Quesnel Elementary, Kitchener Elementary, Queen Mary Elementary, Norma Rose Point Elementary, University Hill Elementary, University Hill Secondary and Byng Secondary. 
  2. Neighbourhood associations include Dunbar, West Point Grey, UBC and Arbutus Ridge areas.
  3. See the recorded session from February 23:
     
• February 23 – March 9: survey open to all groups, including the public
• February 15 – March 27: engage@vsb.bc.ca open to receive public feedback. Emails received will be forward to the Board in its entirety.  
• Month of February: reach out to other civic agencies such as the City of Vancouver to seek their feedback 
• March 8: additional virtual information session for school communities and neighbourhood associations in the vicinity of QEA
• April 5: special delegation meeting added for the Board to specifically hear about the QEA land surplus declaration consideration from the public

Within each engagement activity, participants will have an opportunity to respond to the proposal to surplus the QEA site in order to help inform the Board’s decision.

A report summarizing the engagement results will be shared with the Board, in advance of the April 11, 2023 Board meeting. Feedback received, along with the staff’s recommendation will help inform the Board’s decision about the proposed surplus declaration of the QEA site.