The Whistler Waldorf School's (WWS) ongoing search for a new home has acquired some added urgency after a decision from the provincial government.
According to the WWS, the province reviewed a request from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) to allow the school to stay at its Spruce Grove home, "and determined that using the land for school purposes is not aligned with the intent of the 1982 Sponsored Crown grant and that an amendment to the land use agreement to include a permanent school site will not be considered," wrote WWS board vice-chair Kelly Hand in an email to Pique.
"As a result, this option has been removed from further consideration, confirming that Spruce Grove will not be the long-term home of Whistler Waldorf School. Instead, our future will be rooted in a new location—one that can fully support the ongoing growth and vision of our school."
There will be no changes to the school’s location or operations during the 2025-26 academic year, Hand added.
The WWS has operated at its Spruce Grove location since 2002. When the RMOW's decision last year to end the school's lease after June 2025 caused a minor uproar among parents, council provided a temporary extension to June 2026.
"In anticipation of this potential outcome, the Permanent Site Committee, reporting to the Board of Trustees, has been actively working toward securing a future school site that aligns with our educational philosophy and provides the space and flexibility necessary for both our childcare and K-12 programs to thrive," Hand said. "The RMOW has a team that will be ready to support this project, with timely review of sites, support in our rezoning, discussions with other agencies, and processing of development and building permits."
In a statement, Acting Mayor Jen Ford confirmed "school use” has been deemed outside the intent of the Crown Grant, which allows the municipality to operate Spruce Grove park.
"Our municipality is very grateful for the provincial land commitment to provide this important greenspace and will respect the decision," Ford said. "For over 20 years, Whistler Waldorf School has been granted temporary access to the park in order to grow their operation and community until a permanent location could be found. We wish the school well in its search to find a permanent location and will continue to support the school’s staff and board of directors with planning expertise as they explore potential sites on which to locate a permanent facility."
Despite the challenging road ahead, the WWS is staying optimistic.
"This transition marks an exciting and transformative new chapter in our school’s journey," Hand said. "From our original location at Alta Lake to Spruce Grove, and now beyond, each move has reflected our growth and progress and we look forward to the opportunities this next chapter will bring. For nearly 25 years, Whistler Waldorf School has been a valued part of the Whistler community and has called Spruce Grove home since 2002. We are deeply grateful to the RMOW, our mayor and council, past and present—and the broader Whistler community for making this possible, and we sincerely appreciate the RMOW’s continued support. We are also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our dedicated faculty, staff, trustees, families, and community members throughout our 20-plus years at the Spruce Grove campus."
