Province Invests Extra $20 Million in School Improvements
Prince George, B.C. – The provincial government announced today it will pump a further $20 million to repair, upgrade and improve facilities through their School Enhancement Program.
The money builds on the $45 million investment the Province made into 124 public schools in May.
Tim Bennett
School districts can resubmit previous applications or apply for new projects and must cost between $100,000 and $3 million to be eligible. The applications must be received by September 15, 2016.
The type of projects eligible for the funding includes:
- Plumbing, boiler, and other mechanical upgrades
- Heating and ventilation upgrades
- Roof repairs or replacement
- Windows, lighting and electrical system upgrades
- Safety enhancements – including fire protection
- Flooring replacement
Victoria says the funding was made possible through their strong management of B.C.’s economy.
Prince George School Board vice-chair Tim Bennett says extra funding is always welcome though he questions the timing considering the quick turnaround required.
“While the funds are welcome, I know the district has called on government to invest that money into annual facility grant funding rather than the School Enhancement Fund as that allows districts to make local decisions to meet their needs.”
Comments
“The provincial government announced today it will pump a further $20 million to repair, upgrade and improve facilities through their School Enhancement Program. The money builds on the $45 million investment the Province made into 124 public schools in May.”
Why only 124 public schools? My research indicates there are almost 1,500 public schools in BC. The total $65 million would not go far if it is spread out over that many schools. More or less approximately $45,000 per public school… seem woefully inadequate, but the total amount sounds good as a pre-election primer for the BC Liberals.
Too bad this money can only be found in election years.
It’s a sad state of affairs when schools need to apply for breadcrumbs to cover maintenance costs. Deferred maintenance across the province is north of $1B, Vancouver alone is $700M.
Even more sad is when the government announces the funding as some great generosity and the media laps it up.
Election spending. Don’t forget the libs record.
this is wonderful for the schools…
for the last 3 1/2 years the government claims they have no money. now 6 months from election they seem to be able to find millions of dollars for all kinds of projects.
I wonder if Clark will have to get one of her fellow Liberal to vacate again so she has a chance of winning. I wonder if she remembers that last time even her own riding didn’t want her.
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