New Westminster – New Westminster City Council has approved a partnership arrangement with School District #40 and the BC Ministry of Education for the purchase of the former St. Mary’s Hospital site. The site was selected as the location for a new elementary school following a public consultation process earlier this year.

Under the arrangement, the City will provide one-quarter of the cost to purchase the site, while the school district will provide one-quarter and the Ministry of Education one-half.

“This is a great opportunity for the City to assist in the site purchase for a much-needed elementary school while at the same time securing important park space for the future,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “The arrangement means children get the school they need while the City gets to add to the park space available for residents. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

As the new school project goes forward, the City will re-work de-commissioned streets that used to run through the site. Any of the de-commissioned street space required by the school district will be added to the portion of the site that the City owns.

While School District #40’s use of the former St. Mary’s Hospital site has now been determined, the exact nature of the City’s new park space will be decided at a future date following a public process.

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Contact:
Paul Daminato, City Administrator
604-527-4551