April 29, 2009

At the April 28, 2009 public meeting of the North Vancouver Board of Education, the Board resolved to consolidate Ridgeway Annex with Ridgeway Elementary in two years' time. In effect, Ridgeway Annex will be permanently closed at the end of June 2011, and its students will join Ridgeway Elementary in September 2011.

The Board’s decision was based on a number of considerations. Earlier this year, community consultation enhanced the board’s understanding of potential impacts from the permanent closure of the Annex. Through careful planning and further consultation, the Board is confident a positive beginning for the new, amalgamated school community at Ridgeway Elementary can be created.

With the permanent closure of the Annex, Ridgeway Elementary can be built to a capacity of 425 students in grades K-7—allowing more students in this catchment area to learn in a safer, more secure and sustainable school facility. While the new Ridgeway school will retain its heritage style, it will be built for learning in the 21st century. The additional capacity means three more classrooms and dedicated space for special needs students. Quite simply, consolidation means additional funding from the Ministry of Education to build a better school for the benefit of a greater number of students in the North Vancouver School District.

Ground-breaking is scheduled to occur on the Ridgeway Elementary project at the end of August 2009 and the new school will be open for students to begin the 2011 school year.

The Board understands the significance Ridgeway Annex represents in the lives of students and their families. It’s anticipated that the Annex school community will want to celebrate and acknowledge the history of the school, and its contribution to the education of students in the neighborhood. At the same time, we believe there is much for the Ridgeway community to look forward to with this consolidation and all that the new elementary school represents.

A community meeting is planned to review the new Ridgeway Elementary project on May 20th, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the Ridgeway Elementary gymnasium. Further website updates and information will be provided to parents and the neighborhood as the project proceeds.

For more background, please review the "Superintendent's final report regarding the proposed closure of Ridgeway Annex (June 2011) and consolidation with Ridgeway School"



April 14, 2009

From the feedback and questions that were received at the Ridgeway Annex Community Consultation meeting on March 25, 2009, a series of Questions and Answers have been compiled:

Ridgeway Annex Community Consulation Meeting - Questions and Answers


April 1, 2009

The North Vancouver Board of Education is committed to its 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. 

Declining enrolment, aging facilities, and funding restraint are the expected realities that will impact planning decisions for the next decade.  Fewer students mean less funding and more unused space.  The Board of Education must make difficult decisions to address these issues while maintaining its focus on providing rich educational opportunities for students in welcoming, safe, and sustainable facilities that enhance the learning and teaching environment.

As the Board of Education has decided to proceed with the consideration of the consolidation of Ridgeway Annex and Ridgeway Elementary School, with the potential closure of Ridgeway Annex in June 2011, a consultative process is now proceeding in accordance with Policy 610: Closure of Schools (Permanent).  This process provides all members of the School District and its community with opportunities for input with consideration by the Board.

The consultation process includes public meetings, input opportunities, the coordination of response reports from schools, and careful consideration of alternatives to a potential closure.  The Board of Trustees is interested in receiving your input into the proposed closure of Ridgeway Annex.  Your input will assist the Board of Education in its decision-making process.

On March 25, 2009, the Board held a Community Consultation Meeting at Ridgeway Annex.  

Community Consultation Presentation - March 25, 2009

Pertinent Data and Information - Factors for Consideration

Input Form - Proposal to Consider School Closure and Consolidation


A Heritage Restoration Capital Project Steering Committee has been established for the Ridgeway Annex /  Ridgeway School Community.  To date, two meetings have been held:

Summary Notes - March 30, 2009

Summary Notes - March 23, 2009

For more information about the Ridgeway Annex / Ridgeway Elementary School consultation process, please see Ridgeway Heritage Restoration Project.

More information is also available at Towards the Future For Schools.