Why does the site need to be redeveloped?

    The City of Vancouver’s The West End Community Plan, developed in 2013, calls for significant growth of amenity spaces to accommodate growing population projections for the area. Vancouver School Board’s Long Range Facilities Plan also indicates the need for redevelopment of King George Secondary School (KGSS) to address growing student numbers. The redevelopment of the West End Community Hub site is therefore a key component of City and Vancouver Board of Education’s plans for delivering needed public benefits to the community.

    How will the King George Secondary School be affected?

    As King George Secondary is the smallest secondary school in the District, with space for 375 students, the District is committed to building a safer, larger and modern learning environment to better serve the educational programming needs of students and the broader West End community. This collaborative effort is supported by the project partners, school administration staff and students.

    How does this project relate to the West End Community Plan?

    The redevelopment of the West End Community Hub site is important to delivering the goals set out in the City’s West End Community Plan to renew existing facilities and support other much needed community services. Public benefits include a renewed civic centre comprising a community centre, library, ice rink, and outdoor green space, along with planned new amenities on site potentially including seniors’ services, child care and a 4-bay fire hall.

    How will decisions regarding the West End Community Hub be made?

    Project partners and consultants will work closely with key community groups to understand the diverse community perspectives and identify space needs of the West End neighbourhood. Our W.E. Connect process ensures community input will be considered at every step of the project process and will help project partners make better decisions that reflect the needs and desires of the community.

    How are you engaging equity-seeking groups?

    We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive engagement process. Communities including 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers, seniors, and families with children make up strong and important parts of the West End neighbourhood. We have connected with a number of non-profit groups, including Gordon Neighbourhood House, QMUNITY and the West End Seniors Network, to receive feedback on the engagement process and adapt the approach as needed to ensure that voices from these groups are clearly represented throughout the process.