MAPLE RIDGE – New Democrat MLA Lisa Beare says students in Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows are going to see more green, efficient and safe learning spaces thanks to over $1.4 million in provincial funding for school upgrade projects in SD 42.

“These upgrades will help ensure students have safe and comfortable spaces where they can learn, play, and grow,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “We are making investments to help set students up for success.”

Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District (SD 42) is receiving $1,471,232 in funding for school maintenance projects, including boiler upgrades at Glenwood Elementary, Alouette Elementary, Davie Jones Elementary, and Pitt Meadows Elementary. The district will also be acquiring one new school bus.

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. The New Democrat government has 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, an annual playground fund has been introduced, delivering an additional $5 million a year to districts across the province.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EDUC0016-000410