A long-anticipated public elementary school is finally coming to Vancouver’s Olympic Village, bringing major relief to overburdened schools and growing families in one of the city's fastest-developing neighborhoods. Backed by more than $150 million in provincial funding and built on city-donated land, the new school is set to open as early as 2029 and will offer 630 student spaces for Grades K–7.
A Community Milestone in the Making
Slated for 215 West 1st Avenue—steps from False Creek and nestled beside Hinge Park—the new four-storey Olympic Village Elementary will be the first school built in the neighborhood since the area’s transformation from industrial lands to a vibrant residential and commercial hub. Long a priority for the Vancouver School Board (VSB), the project was greenlit after the B.C. government approved its massive funding request in April 2024.
With rezoning now underway and construction targeted to begin by 2027, this project will reshape the educational landscape of Southeast False Creek.
Designed for Modern Learning and Community Life
Olympic Village Elementary is more than just a school—it’s designed as a cornerstone of community life. In addition to classrooms, the 64,583-square-foot building will feature:
A neighbourhood learning centre with dedicated child care space
A rooftop play and learning area, bringing innovation and activity into a vertical space
Facilities for community engagement, aligning with the city’s “complete community” vision
Seismic safety and accessibility, built to modern standards for peace of mind
While its proposed height of 62 feet slightly exceeds existing zoning bylaws, this change is crucial to house the 630 students the community demands—particularly on a site constrained by size.
Why Olympic Village Needs This School Now
Since Olympic Village was established as part of the 2010 Games legacy, the neighborhood has blossomed into one of Vancouver’s most desirable places to live. But with the influx of families has come intense pressure on nearby schools. Simon Fraser Elementary, built in 1958 for just 182 students, currently operates at nearly 190% over capacity.
This new school directly addresses that strain, providing a long-term solution to chronic overcrowding. Nearby schools—such as Edith Cavell, False Creek, and Crosstown Elementary—have also been shouldering the overflow, impacting families throughout Mount Pleasant, Cambie, and downtown.
The project promises to keep families rooted in the area they love, removing the pressure to relocate for better school access.
Years in the Making: A History of Planning and Patience
The seeds for this school were planted almost two decades ago. The need was formally identified by the VSB in 2005, and by 2007 the City of Vancouver had reserved the site during its Southeast False Creek development planning.
Progress, however, was slow. It wasn’t until 2022 that the City and VSB finalized a 99-year ground lease for the parcel. With funding finally secured in 2024, the project is now in the public engagement phase of the rezoning process.
A Broader Investment in Vancouver's Future
The Olympic Village school is part of a sweeping provincial commitment to upgrade education infrastructure across British Columbia. Since 2017, the Province has invested over $4 billion in schools, with $3.75 billion more earmarked through 2027. In Vancouver alone, more than $526 million has been directed to new and expanded school projects.
Local examples include the expansion of Henry Hudson Elementary, adding 145 student spaces by 2025, and seismic upgrades at Edith Cavell and David Livingstone Elementary.
A School to Anchor the Neighborhood
Community leaders say this school is more than bricks and mortar—it’s a symbol of stability, belonging, and progress.
“This new school site will become the beating heart of Olympic Village,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.
“We’re not just building classrooms—we’re building community,” added Brenda Bailey, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek.
The Vancouver School Board also notes the school will serve as a community hub, reinforcing connections between families, educators, and the broader neighborhood.
Looking Ahead
If approvals proceed smoothly in 2025–2026, shovels could hit the ground in 2027, with a grand opening by 2029—or possibly 2030 if delayed. Either way, the finish line is in sight for a project two decades in the making.
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