After 20 years of planning and overcrowded neighbouring schools, Vancouver city council voted Thursday night in favour of a move that will allow for an elementary school to be built in Olympic Village.

A public hearing into the necessary rezoning two weeks ago drew opposition, as many residents were unhappy that the newer version of the school would increase its height and double its initial capacity.

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City Coun. Mike Klassen says their concerns about increased traffic will be addressed by staff, as per an amendment Thursday.

“The direction from council was for engineering to come up with a solution, find a more compatible way for people to come in, knowing that when people are coming in from around the catchment and sometimes on their way to work, they will be using a vehicle,” Klassen explained.

“I was very glad to second that.”

He says city staff will now also work to address a major concern about the loss of public space.

“When you’ve got school usage during school hours, that means that you have to do a little bit of management of access and availability.”

The new school will accommodate 600 students across four floors. With all nearby schools overcapacity, Klassen says adding another is vital for neighbourhood livability.

“We need young families to be able to put down roots here, work in our city, start businesses in our city. And this is really the future of our city we’re looking at. Particularly when we have a growing aging demographic. So we have to make sure that young families are able to feel welcomed here, and creating this new school space is really important.”

The project is expected to be completed in 2029.