PORT ALBERNI – New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne says students at Tsuma-as Elementary will soon be playing and exploring on a new universally-accessible playground, thanks to $200,000 in provincial funding for SD70.

“Playgrounds are vital for a child’s physical, social and emotional development by encouraging active play, building fitness and promoting teamwork,” says Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island – Pacific Rim. “That’s why our government has been investing in playgrounds in every corner of the province since 2018. I know that this new playground at Tsuma-as Elementary will be loved by students and neighbourhood families alike.”

Twenty-five schools in twenty-five school districts around BC will receive $200,000 to fund the construction of new accessible school playgrounds. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to providing safe, and enjoyable spaces for all students, ensuring they have quality areas to play during school hours.

Since 2018, the government has built new playgrounds at 307 schools, benefiting over 77,000 students. Every school district has received at least one playground since the program started, 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.