WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia, through the Minister of Education, has implemented the Disposal of Land or Improvements Order M19308, effective September 3, 2008, which establishes procedures and policies for the disposal of school lands and assets through sale or lease for more than ten years; AND WHEREAS the Order effectively gives the Provincial government the right of first refusal for purchase of surplus school lands in order to provide the government with the opportunity to match provincial institutional needs to the surplus asset: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities be requested to encourage the Province of BC to reconsider its position regarding the sale of surplus school lands and assets and ensure that local governments have an opportunity to purchase andor approve the disposition of such lands.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Schools are valuable taxpayer assets so government wants to make sure that they are being used in the best way possible for communities and taxpayers. Boards of Education are being encouraged to develop Neighbourhoods of Learning within schools that have existing surplus space or when designing new schools. The goal of Neighbourhoods of Learning is to bring education and community services together in a single neighbourhood hub. Consequently, the Minister of Education amended the Disposal of Land or Improvements Order, and School Building Closure and Disposal Policy, to ensure that community use and access to these assets is maximized. Effective September 2008, Boards must now seek ministerial approval prior to disposing of property by sale or lease greater than 10 years unless the land or building is sold to another board or independent school for educational purposes. Boards may dispose of land or improvements by way of lease, other than a lease of 10 years or more, to a community agency or organization for alternative community use. Under the Policy, school property disposed of to a local government or community organization for alternative community use may be sold at less than market value. With respect to surplus or underutilized school space, Boards of Education must consult with local government, community organizations and the public on alternative community uses.