#BuildSFA Update April 2023
Spring has finally arrived and what a difference these months have made to the status of our school redevelopment project. We are so close now! While final project costs remain estimates we now have committed and uncommitted sources of capital totaling $14.0 Million of the current budgeted $15.0 Million that will be required to build our new 13,500 sq ft wing addition and gymnasium.
Just over half of the $14.0 Million will come from the sale of the parish garden lands. Our subdivision application for the back-garden at the parish has been submitted and reviewed by the COV. In addition to the subdivision application, the COV has requested SFA submit a Development Permit application package for the parcel of land that we will be retaining (where the church and rectory reside). We are diligently working on this now so we can have the land under contract with a purchaser, and we hope this will not result in any further project delays.
As most of you who attended our school AGM will be aware, we have also submitted our Building Permit application to the City of Vancouver (COV) in March having now completed and met the criteria and feedback from the COV for our Development Permit. We expect that it will take about 9 months for the application to be processed and the Building Permit to be issued. From a permitting perspective, we are ready to start construction once we have our Building Permit.
We are hosting our 1st Gala since COVID-19 on Friday, May 5th and it is our hope that this fun fundraising event will play a large role in closing the $1.0 Million gap in our funding. With a new format and venue, this event is open to all members of our school and parish community, alumni, and neighbors. Please buy your tickets and join us if you have not done so already.
Connect with old friends, make new ones, and support the future of the SFA community.
We remain grateful for our St. Francis of Assisi community. We are amazed every day by the generosity of our community and by the hard work of our many parent volunteers. Please open your hearts and minds to our Capital Campaign volunteers and if possible, please return your donation Gift Cards before the IMAGINE Gala.
With blessings,
Father Eugenio Aloisio
Pastor
Mrs. Anne Yam
Principal
