#BuildSFA Update April 2021

We hope that you all enjoyed a safe and happy spring break and Easter.

As you know the convent site was listed for sale at the end of February and we accepted offers in early March. We have had several offers but as this is a land development sale, not a residential sale, the subjects and timelines to completion are longer. Our realtor is continuing to negotiate on our behalf and we will let you know once the sale is finalised.

The City of Vancouver has completed an initial review of Phase 1 of our ‘New and Renew in 3 Phases’ school redevelopment plan and indicated that “it is supportable” and that “we may move forward with the formal Development Permit (DP) application and submission”. The DP submission is a 4-month design process whereby we engage the architect, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers along with a landscape consultant to further develop our drawings to a DP level. The DP will be based on these current schematic drawings. Click Here. The new 2-story wing (with basement) will double the square footage of indoor space of the school. It will contain the new gymnasium and change facilities along with the new school entranceway, administration space, library, a multi-use/music room, and the new kindergarten room. This large new addition will dramatically improve the learning environment for our children by giving them some much needed extra space for play, learning, and bathroom breaks!

Once the new wing is completed, as part of Phase 2 some of the classes will be rearranged in the current school so that the primary grades will be on the bottom floor and intermediate grades will be on the main floor. We will have a clearer understanding of the project timelines once our DP has been submitted to the City. We note that DP approval from the City could be up to 6-8 months after submission. The present target date for school opening is the 2023 school year.

If you are wondering how you can get involved and support our school, please support the 75th anniversary St. Francis of Assisi Cookbook. The finished product will be a wonderful keepsake for your family but will also be a way to show the commitment of our school to our community and future donors. The team is now compiling, formatting, and printing the book with the aim of having sales start in June.

 
With blessings,
 
Father Eugenio Aloisio
Pastor
 
Mrs. Anne Yam
Principal