MLAs Malcolmson and Routley welcome school upgrades in Nanaimo-Ladysmith

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NANAIMO – New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson and Doug Routley say students in Nanaimo and Ladysmith are going to see more green, efficient and safe learning spaces thanks to over $1 million in provincial funding for school upgrade projects in School District 68.

“We want the best learning environment possible, so our government is investing in children and teachers here,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “When students succeed, everyone benefits.”

“Under the BC Liberals we saw schools in our community close at an alarming rate, and vital maintenance projects put on hold,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “Our government is making different choices by investing in important upgrades that help ensure our students have a safe and comfortable learning environment.”

The Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District (SD 68) is receiving $1,340,000 in funding for school maintenance projects, including:

School Enhancement Program

  • John Barsby Secondary and Ladysmith Secondary
    • Dust collection system upgrades
  • Park Avenue Elementary
    • HVAC upgrades

Carbon Neutral Capital Program

  • Gabriola Elementary
    • HVAC upgrades

Building Envelope Project

  • Dover Bay Secondary
    • Building envelope upgrades

These funding programs are part of a $217.7-million investment under the Annual Facilities Grant (AFG), School Enhancement Program, Carbon Neutral Capital Program, Building Envelope Program and Bus Acquisition Program, to ensure students have well-maintained learning environments and bus services that are safe, comfortable and efficient. This year’s funding is $32.3-million higher than it was in 2016/17.

After years of underfunding by the previous BC Liberal government, the New Democrat government is delivering an historic level of support to BC students. We’ve added an extra $2.2 billion in operating funding over 2016/17 levels and created a $2.8 billion school capital budget to build, seismically upgrade and expand K-12 schools. To ensure students have a safe place to play, we introduced an annual playground fund, delivering an additional $5 million a year to districts across the province.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/21723