COWICHAN – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says students in the Cowichan Valley school district 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 79.
“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 Cowichan Valley School District (SD 79) is receiving $1,352,640 in funding for school maintenance projects, including:
School Enhancement Program
- Khowhemun Elementary, Discovery Elementary, Drinkwater Elementary, Tansor Elementary, Ecole Mount Prevost Elementary, Somenos Elementary
- Roof replacement
Carbon Neutral Capital Program
- SD Core Building
- Boiler upgrade
Bus Acquisition Program
- 5 new busses
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