Why Closure Is Being Considered?
Proposed closure of Sir Guy Carleton Elementary School
Overview
Sir Guy Carleton Elementary School (“Carleton Elementary” or “Carleton”) was severely damaged by fire in 2016 and has not been used for student learning since.
At the public board meeting on June 26, 2023, the Board approved a motion to begin public consultation in accordance with Board Policy 14 – School Closure. This process was paused to assess the impact of provincial housing changes and updated city zoning on student enrolment.
In June 2025, updated enrolment projections confirmed that nearby schools can accommodate students both now and in the future.
On October 1, 2025, the Vancouver School Board restarted the public engagement process regarding the proposed closure of Carleton Elementary.
The Board is now seeking public input as part of the process outlined in Policy 14 – School Closure. Feedback collected through various engagement methods will be considered before a final decision is made at a special public Board meeting in December 2025.
Ways to engage
We encourage you to take part and share your perspective. There are several ways to participate:
- You can share your thoughts between October 2 and December 2, 2025, by emailing engage@vsb.bc.ca. Your feedback will be included as part of the engagement summary report and submitted to the Board for consideration
- Attend an in-person (October 23, drop in any time from 3-6 pm) or online (October 28, 6-7 pm) information session.
- Participate in an online survey that will be available October 21 - November 26, 2025
- Request to make a delegation presentation to the Board on November 24, 2025
Please check back for updates to this website as the process advances.
Background
Carleton has not enrolled students since 2016 after a fire left the main school building unsuitable for use. At the time, students from the Carleton Elementary catchment were redirected to Cunningham, Weir and MacCorkindale elementary schools.
In January 2023, the Carleton catchment was officially redistributed among Cunningham, Weir, and MacCorkindale elementary schools to ensure students attend their closest neighbourhood school.
Students in the area will continue to be accommodated at nearby schools.
Timeline and process
VSB follows Board Policy 14 School Closure when considering school closure. The policy also outlines the factors that staff may assess in recommending a school closure.
A period of at least sixty (60) days will be allocated to allow for engagement to occur.
As part of the engagement, the Board will make available, in writing, the rationale being considered by the Board for the proposed closure.
May 29, 2023: Board received report and recommendation (complete)
June 7, 2023: Facilities planning committee provided its recommendation to the Board (complete)
June 26, 2023: Board decided to initiate public engagement (complete)
Engagement Process Paused: On September 25, 2023, a private board motion suspended the public engagement pending the outcome of enrolment projections being completed. Updated enrolment projections were presented to the facilities planning committee in June 2025.
October 1, 2025: Public engagement restarted (Complete)
The Board decided to direct staff to restart the public engagement process for the potential closure of Sir Guy Carleton Elementary School as set out in Board Policy 14 – School Closure.
Engagement begins – written submissions open via engage@vsb.bc.ca.
Early October: pre-engagement with nearby PACs. (Complete)
October-November: In-person and virtual opportunities for rights holders, stakeholders, public, staff to engage and provide their feedback about the potential closure. (We are here)
November 24, 2025: Public delegation Board meeting. Register to present
December 17, 2025: Special Board meeting. All feedback collected through the engagement process will be summarized and shared with the Board before they consider the decision.