Don’t sell off school land

Re: School sites considered for affordable housing, April 20; and B.C., Alberta, differ on school utilization rate, April 16

Population demographics ebb and flow, but Metro Vancouver is facing population growth in the foreseeable future, as shown by consideration of school lands for affordable housing, and continued building of condominiums and apartment highrises throughout the region. Do our politicians think that growth in the region will be by adults alone? Where are the kids of all these new people going to go to school?

School lands belong to future generations and are held in trust for them. The land should not be made available for other types of developments — it is needed for educational purposes, including physical education. The land is not available to be sold as a short-term cash cow — as demographics adjust, the schools will be needed again. Temporarily close them, OK. Share them after hours with community groups, OK. repurpose parts for daycare, OK. But no subdividing, selling or long-term leases.

Instead, face facts and raise taxes to support the greater good. Especially in this retail market, our politicians need to start thinking of our school lands as they should be thinking of the agricultural land reserve — as gardens for our children, to be protected.

Mary Boulanger, Vancouver