May Update: PW Campus Renewal

We would like to share an update on the Pemberton Woods Campus Renewal, following our formal resubmission to the City of Victoria on May 2, 2025. This latest submission responds to detailed feedback from various City departments—including Planning, Transportation, Engineering and Parks—and reflects a number of thoughtful design refinements. This plan allows us to resolve current neighbourhood concerns—around traffic congestion, parking and noise.

What’s New in the Submission

The updated plan incorporates technical feedback from City staff while remaining grounded in the core principles developed through engagement with both our school and neighbourhood communities. Key updates include revised pedestrian routes, refined frontage designs, and an enhanced open space strategy.

Landscape improvements have also been made along Richardson and Maddison Streets, including integrated stormwater management features, new tree plantings, and clearer distinctions between public and private spaces. In addition, the revised submission expands information related to transportation planning, site access and the site’s heritage character. These updates are intended to demonstrate long-term alignment with City policy while supporting safety and preserving neighbourhood character.

We’ve also maintained our commitment to meeting the City’s Schedule C parking requirements, as consistently emphasized throughout community engagement. This continues to be a key component of our approach, ensuring alignment with municipal standards while reflecting the priorities shared by neighbours and stakeholders.

What Hasn’t Changed

The heart of the renewal remains unchanged. The overall school size, the number of proposed classrooms, program updates and the inclusion of a new double gymnasium are consistent with the original submission. These core elements reflect GNS’s long-term operational needs and our commitment to providing high-quality spaces for students and educators.

Access to the campus as designed will continue to be oriented along Richmond Avenue, including designated school bus loading and unloading on site. The Maddison Street Greenway, as referenced in the Gonzales Neighbourhood Plan, remains a key feature of the campus design and will continue to support safe, active transportation while preserving the street’s residential character.

What’s Next

Now that the rezoning resubmission is complete, the application will return to City staff for formal review. Over the next two months, departments will evaluate the updated plans and provide further feedback. From there, the application will continue moving through the City’s rezoning process—a multi-step journey that may take several more months to complete.

We’re committed to keeping you informed throughout this process and welcome your questions at any time. Your continued interest and engagement have been instrumental in shaping this renewal. We invite you to connect with our Community Engagement champion Tamara Slobogean by email at tslobogean@mygns.ca or by phone at 250.370.6842.

Upcoming Community Events in the Neighbourhood

As part of our ongoing commitment to building a strong, connected neighbourhood, GNS is proud to host and support two community events this month. These gatherings aren’t about the campus renewal specifically—they’re about bringing people together. Whether you’ve lived in Gonzales for years or have just arrived, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating what makes this neighbourhood so special.

Community Emergency Preparedness Workshop

May 6, 6:30–8:00 PM at GNS

Join Victoria Emergency Management’s Doug Clarke for a free, informative session on preparing your home and family for emergencies. Open to all community members.

Link for FREE Tickets: https://ticketstripe.com/events/2332107065939908

Neighbourhood Yard Sale

May 10, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Organized by the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association and with spaces available in the GNS parking lot along Richmond Avenue. A great chance to browse, connect and enjoy the neighbourhood together.

Thank you, as always, for your continued participation in this process. Your input is highly valued. We look forward to sharing more updates soon.