MLA Jennifer Rice welcomes upgrades for North Coast schools

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PRINCE RUPERT – New Democrat MLA Jennifer Rice say students on the North Coast are going to see more green, efficient and safe learning spaces thanks to over $2.5 million in provincial funding for school upgrade projects in School Districts 50 and 52.

“These upgrades will make a big difference in making some of our smaller schools more comfortable places to learn,” said Rice, MLA for North Coast. “Efficient buildings and safer spaces are all part of a healthy learning environment for students.”

The Haida Gwaii School District (SD 50) is receiving $1,641,483 in funding for school maintenance projects, including:

  • Renewal of SBS Membrane for Sk’aadgaa Naay Elementary
  • Roofing replacement for Gidgalang Kuuyas Naay Secondary
  • One new school bus

The Prince Rupert School District (SD 52) is receiving $900,000 in funding for school maintenance projects, including:

  • Inclusive washroom upgrades for Roosevelt Park Elementary, Lax Kxeen Elementary, Conrad Elementary, Charles Hays Secondary, Prince Rupert Middle, Pineridge Elementary, and Pacific Coast Secondary
  • Network switch upgrades for Charles Hays Secondary, Prince Rupert Middle, Roosevelt Park Elementary, Conrad Elementary, and Pineridge Elementary

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