UPDATE

• Despite overwhelming community backing, the School Board has chosen not to proceed with our community proposal. 

• The School District is working with the Town of Qualicum Beach on Qualicum Commons. 

• Craig Street Commons’ future is still undecided. 

• A critical vote is expected at the January 28 public school board meeting on whether to close each of these buildings to business and community use effective July 1, 2025. 

• While it is anticipated that Qualicum Commons is safe from closure, the future of Craig Street Commons still hangs in the balance. 

• We remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard these properties for community use.

• Read our news release HERE.

Call to Action

• Email School Trustees: Send an email to our school trustees, write your own or use our form letter HERE.

• Spread the Word: Encourage friends, family and neighbours to join this effort and send a letter.

• Attend the January 28 School Board Meeting: The school board meeting is on Tuesday, January 28 at 6 pm and is open to the public to attend. The Qualicum School District website has more information on attending the virtual meeting.

Read our proposal

Read our Community Proposal: Qualicum Commons & Craig Street Commons submitted by the Save the Commons Community Group on October 11, 2024 to the Qualicum School District.

Read our ADDENDUM

Read our Addendum to Our Community Proposal: Qualicum Commons & Craig Street Commons submitted by the Save the Commons Community Group on December 6, 2024 to the Qualicum School District.

Make your voice heard!

Together we can Save the Commons.

Why this matters...

The Craig Street Commons and Qualicum Commons are home to a number of service providers that enhance the vibrancy and wellbeing of the Oceanside community. If the Commons are closed or sold, these organizations may be forced to find a new location or close. This will have a tremendous impact on our community. 

We can't afford to lose these organizations that serve our community...

• • BC & Alberta Guide Dogs (VICD)

  • Bonaventure Support Services

  • Bright Star Montessori

  • Buffy Trupp Counselling

  • Coast Karma Learning Group Ltd & Society

  • Kids Park Paradise Childcare

  • Little Star Children's Centre

  • OBLT - Munchkinland & Storybook Village

  • Oceanside Integrated Fitness Society

  • PacifiCare Family Enrichment Society

  • RDN programs

  • Society of Organized Services

  • Sources Community Resource Centre

  • Qualicum Beach Community Garden Society

  • Qualicum Beach School of Dance

  • Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild

Read our press releaseS...

January 8, 2025 - Community Rallies to Save Vital Community Hubs

October 18, 2024 - Community Proposes Solution for Qualicum and Craig Street Commons

September 19, 2024 - TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE THE COMMONS: Qualicum Commons and Craig Street Commons

Why Create a Society...

To protect the Qualicum and Craig Street Commons from being closed or sold, we are forming the Oceanside Commons Society. We are proposing that the Qualicum School District enter into a long-term lease with the Society who will manage the day to day operations and necessary building upgrades and repairs. 

There are significant benefits to having a nonprofit society lease the Qualicum Commons and Craig Street Commons.

The Society will:

• include local residents in its structure and decision-making, ensuring the centers meet community needs.

• respond quickly to community changes and needs without the delays often seen in government.

• oversee both the Qualicum Commons and Craig Street Commons, streamlining operations and reducing administrative costs between the two locations. 

• have access to various funding sources, including donations, grants, and fundraisers.

• focus on ensuring the building and grounds are maintained at a higher standard.

• encourage community members to volunteer, reducing costs and increasing involvement.

• prioritize sustainable, long-term community well-being over political cycles.

• build strong local ties and foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents.