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B.C. GOVERNMENT CAUCUS
NEWS RELEASE
November 10, 2015
School District 34 lands funding for upgrades
ABBOTSFORD – Three schools in School District 34 will be able to proceed with routine capital projects, thanks to $1,083,600 in provincial funding. These improvements will help provide healthy, safe and modern learning environments.
- Centennial Park Elementary School: Roof top improvements. Cost: $567,600. Areas of the roof will be replaced.
- W.J. Mouat Secondary School: Air unit upgrades. Cost: $348,000. New roof top heat pumps and high efficiency condensing air units will be installed with direct digital controls for improved efficiency.
- Blue Jay Elementary School: Condensing unit and hot water tank replacement. Cost: $168,000. Condensing units and hot water heaters will be replaced along with new direct digital controls for improved efficiency.
Work is expected to begin this year and finish by spring 2016.
“It’s well worth engaging in structural improvements for schools as it extends their useful life,” Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong said. “As a graduate of W.J. Mouat, I’m very pleased to see my old alma mater, as well as other Abbotsford schools, receive these upgrades so they can continue to provide excellent educational opportunities for our students.”
“These schools in Abbotsford are receiving significant funding so they can operate as efficiently as possible,” Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas said. “We recognize the importance of extending the life of our schools.”
These projects were approved under the province’s routine capital program. Projects were chosen based on need, priority, and supporting student learning.
Quick Facts:
- Since 2002, the ministry has invested $4.2 billion in new and improved schools, including $2.2 billion in seismic upgrades. This has resulted in 112 new schools, 186 schools with increased classroom space and 146 seismically upgraded schools.
- Boards of education submit capital plans to the ministry that include details on school building priorities in their school districts.
- The provincial government establishes an overall capital budget for schools based the ministry’s capital allocation.
To learn more about Capital Planning within the Ministry of Education, please visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/resource-management/capital-planning
Suggested cutline: Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas announces routine capital funding for schools in Abbotsford with School Board Trustee Cindy Schafer and Centennial Park Elementary School Principal Bonnie Iftody.
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Media contact:
Ashley Stewart
B.C. Government Caucus Communications
250-387-8589