NDP MLA Sheila Malcolmson says students in Nanaimo will have new accessible playground, school upgrades

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NANAIMO – New Democrat MLA Sheila Malcolmson says students at Quarterway Elementary will soon be playing on a new accessible playground, thanks to $165,000 in provincial funding, along with $1,731,896 in funding for school upgrades and new buses for the district.

“When children play, they practice how to share, communicate, and resolve conflict, so I’m happy students at Quarterway Elementary will get a new playground where they can play together safely,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo.

This year, New Democrats are doubling the annual investment to $10 million to deliver 60 new playgrounds in 50 school districts. Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District received $165,000 for the new accessible playground, up $40,000 from previous years. This increase will allow the playground to be designed with accessible features like ground cover, ramps and/or transfer platforms that connect to the play structure – to ensure there’s a place for all students to play. The playground will be built over the next year and are expected to be ready for kids to play on by early 2022.

Playgrounds help kids stay active outdoors while learning to share, build conflict resolution skills, and overcome challenges. Playing outside reduces anxiety and improves focus, helping kids to learn in the classroom.

This funding comes from the Playground Equipment Program (PEP), created in 2018 to reduce the burden of fundraising on parents and help communities buy the playground equipment students need. Since 2018, the New Democrat government has invested $25 million to fund 201 new playgrounds at schools throughout the province, benefiting more than 49,000 students.

Students will also benefit from upgraded and more energy-efficient learning environments, with $240.5 million in school maintenance grants distributed across the province this year. Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District received $1,731,896 this year for projects which include:

  • HVAC upgrades at Cilaire Elementary
  • HVAC upgrades at Pleasant Valley Elementary
  • Two new buses

Annual facilities maintenance grants have also supported school districts to plan and budget for upgrades and maintenance to school ventilation as students return to class. These investments are a part of the Province’s commitment to update infrastructure in B.C. schools to provide safe, enjoyable, and accessible learning environments. The New Democrat government has delivered historic levels of funding to B.C. schools, including $1.2 billion for new and improved schools for B.C. students in Budget 2021.​​

Learn More

Playgrounds: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021EDUC0074-001766

School maintenance grants: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24466