School District 43 is embarking on an ambitious plan to sell off land assets to raise money for new schools.
Starting with a small pilot project this fall, the district is beginning a public consultation process to gauge public sentiment for selling off a strip of land from each of Parkland and Porter Street elementary schools. According to the district, the parcels could accommodate 17 lots for single-family homes but city and public approval would be required for the properties to be sold.
The money potentially raised - about $4 million after processing and servicing costs - would be used for capital projects, mostly in Coquitlam, including helping fund schools in Burke Mountain.
Now, neighbourhoods are notoriously protective of their school properties and any new housing would have be a good fit for the area. But by starting out small, the district is taking a cautious approach to what appears to be a good plan.
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