PORT MCNEILL – New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says new accessible playgrounds are on the way for students at Cortes Island School and Cheslakees Elementary.

“Building a new accessible playground can be a big undertaking for a school, and in the past parents have taken on the burden of fundraising,” said Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. “Our government has made it a priority to help schools with the cost of playgrounds, so that more kids can have fun and stay active, and parents can spend more time with their kids and less time fundraising.”

This year, the New Democrat government is providing funding for 26 new playgrounds in 26 school districts around B.C. Each district is receiving $195,000. The playgrounds will all be designed to be accessible for children of all abilities.

Last year, Alert Bay Elementary, also in the Vancouver Island North School District, received funding for a playground that is now complete.

Since 2018, the government has built new playgrounds at 282 schools, benefiting over 70,000 students. Every school district has received at least one playground since 2018, and some schools received funding for multiple playgrounds for their communities to enjoy.

Building new accessible playgrounds is part of the government’s priority to ensure students have positive learning and play spaces, no matter where they live.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024ECC0062-000836