Dozens of B.C. schools that were closed during the past decade due to declining enrolments have been sold.
The Ministry of Education recently revealed for the first time that at least 69 public schools were sold between May 2001 and 2008. That is more than a third of the 190 schools that closed during the decade.
The Liberal government that came to power in May, 2001 changed the policy to halt the sale of schools and keep them in public hands.
The list of schools may not be complete since school districts were not required to inform the government about sales until 2008.
When the provincial policy was changed, premier Gordon Campbell said they wanted closed schools to become neighbourhood hubs, delivering education and services year-round to all age groups.
Despite ministry permission now being required, 10 schools have been sold since the policy change.
According to the list, the Prince George school district sold the most, with eight properties, also having closed the most — a total of 21 through the decade.
Twenty nine districts sold schools, with three tied having sold five schools each — Powell River, Port Alberni and Cowichan Valley.
The 29 districts are spread across every part of the province including the old Qualicum Beach Middle School in District 69 (Qualicum).
When QBMS moved to the other end of town, the old school was sold at the current location of the Gardens seniors home.
writer@pqbnews.com
