There is no racial  barrier to living in a wealthy neighbourhood.  Canada until 50 years ago was almost entirely white, and it takes time to accumulate family wealth, so obviously the majority of families in wealthy neighbourhoods are white. What is actually noteworthy is how rapidly this in changing, for example in Vancouver, where a large percentage of the wealthy are Asian. So talk of knocking down the walls is silly (not to say typical of this columnist). As more non-whites immigrate and some accumulate wealth, the complexion of wealthy neighbourhoods will continue to change. 

Private schools provide a way to advantage average students, who lack the special qualities that enable more able or socially adept students to succeed in the public system. I think parents understand this, and that is why a great many families with two good incomes, but earning together far less than would put them in the top 1%, send their kids to private schools. In BC, 12% go to these schools.