Local MLAs welcome school upgrades for Vancouver students

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VANCOUVER– Local MLAs George Heyman, Shane Simpson and Spencer Chandra Herbert say students in Vancouver will benefit from safer, more efficient schools thanks to over $1.7 million in provincial funding for school upgrade projects.

Vancouver School District is receiving $1,772,500 in total funding for projects at five schools.

  • Churchill Secondary’s fire system will be upgraded,
  • General Wolfe Elementary will have fire system and accessibility upgrades made,
  • Lord Roberts and Hastings Elementary schools will each receive funding for heat plant replacements, and
  • École Anne-Hébert will receive funding for HVAC, Boiler and DDC upgrades.

These funding programs are part of a $206 million provincial investment from several funding streams: the Annual Facilities Grant, School Enhancement Program, Carbon Neutral Capital Program and the Bus Replacement Program. Together these ensure students have well-maintained learning environments and bus services that are safe, comfortable and efficient. Overall, this year’s funding is a $500,000 increase from the previous year and a $20.6 million increase from 2016/17.

The New Democrat government has delivered historic levels of funding to B.C. schools, including the biggest operating and capital budgets in B.C. history, an extra $1-billion in classroom funding over 2016/17 levels, $2.7-billion over three years to build, seismically upgrade and expand K-12 schools, and a new annual $5-million playground fund.

In the Vancouver School District, the New Democrat government has approved over $540 million for school upgrades, including $150 million to seismically replace Sir Matthew Begbie Elementary, Bayview Elementary, David Lloyd George Elementary, and Eric Hamber Secondary Schools.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019EDUC0019-000324

MLA Quotes:

“Access to safe and comfortable schools is critical. After years of neglect, this government is starting a new chapter in B.C.—one that prioritizes our kids. This funding boost is great for students, staff and families at Lord Roberts Elementary.” – Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA for Vancouver-West End

“Parents of children at General Wolfe Elementary should know that our government is putting their kids first. This funding will ensure that students and staff can learn and work in an environment that is well-maintained. Our government recognizes that our whole community benefits when education is made a top priority.” – George Heyman, MLA for Vancouver-Fairview

“Students in our community deserve schools that support their growth. For too long, students have suffered from funding cuts and a lack of provincial leadership on education, but I’m proud to say that our government is turning the page. This funding boost for Hastings Elementary demonstrates a strong commitment to our community and our kids.” – Shane Simpson, MLA for Vancouver-Hastings