A Historic Milestone: City Council Unanimously Advances the GNS Pemberton Woods Campus Renewal

The GNS community is marking a historic moment as Victoria City Council’s Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to advance the rezoning application for the Pemberton Woods (PW) Campus Renewal. For parents, students, staff and neighbours, this is a hard-earned milestone that reflects years of perseverance, partnership and belief in a shared vision.

Head of School Mr. Chad Holtum says what began as a complex and, at times, challenging proposal has evolved into something widely supported and genuinely inspiring. “This milestone is incredibly significant and represents work that began in earnest in 2023. We have taken the “long road,” investing in a level of community consultation that went far beyond what is typically expected. I am proud to share that this investment has now been acknowledged and commended by Victoria City Council as exemplary.”

Victoria City Councillor Jeremy Caradonna reflected on just how far the project has come. “What started out as a somewhat contentious proposal has ended up not controversial at all, and I think it’s really testament to the work that the proponent has done. In fact, I think it’s really a model for building consensus within the community, to the point where people agree that this is the right path ahead.”

The idea of turning challenge into collaboration was also highlighted by Councillor Susan Kim, who praised the project’s thoughtful and inclusive approach: “It’s quite exemplary in how they are thinking through the entire site and willing to rejig things around instead of piecemeal moves in a way that serves not just the students, but again, the community. That, to me, is the good neighbour agreement. That to me is ethos. And I just applaud the community behind this project for having that approach.”

Mr. Holtum is grateful for the collaborative spirit the entire community has brought to this project to date. “Getting to this point has been a collective effort, and I want to thank our parents, students, faculty and staff, and neighbours, for their input and partnership. GNS is also deeply grateful for the City’s thorough and thoughtful review of this once-in-a-generation project.”

Mayor Marianne Alto underscored the broader impact, emphasizing the project’s potential to serve as a model for future developments: “The ability for this to be transformative around the use of land, but use in ‘community of land’, should not be underestimated. And I think that’s something that should be lauded, and should be perhaps an example to other future development proposals.”

The PW Campus Renewal Project is about creating a space where students can thrive—today and for generations to come. Phase One includes plans for a new Senior School and double gymnasium, vibrant indoor learning spaces that foster connection and well-being, and dedicated outdoor learning environments. Green buffers, rooftop and rain gardens, and thoughtful architectural design will ensure the campus remains both innovative and connected to the character of its neighbourhood.

The plan also reflects a broader commitment to the community. From improved traffic flow and the addition of new homes to public pathways and shared-use spaces, the project has been designed with neighbours in mind. It’s not just about building a school, it’s about strengthening a community.

Moments like this don’t happen overnight. They are built through trust, resilience, and a willingness to listen and adapt. This milestone is a celebration of that process—and of the people who made it possible. The input and ideas of GNS staff, students, families, alumni, board, neighbours and broader community members who play basketball in our gym and make music on the Denford Hall stage, have all shaped this plan.

As Councillor Matt Dell shared following the vote: “Council voted to approve a new Glenlyon Norfolk School on Richmond Street today. The school has been here since 1932, and this new proposal has been in consideration for many years—it’s a big day to see it finally move forward. The new school will be built in phases in the coming years. This design drastically fixes the traffic issues with the current school, adds 16 new homes, adds public pathways, and will allow for some community use of their sports fields and arts/culture theatre space.”

While this unanimous Council vote clears a major hurdle, the journey is far from over. The project now moves into detailed design, permitting and planning phases, including finalizing zoning bylaws and completing agreements with the City. Progress updates and frequently asked questions are available on the website pwrenewal.ca