Upgrade projects are on the horizon for several Fraser Cascade schools, and have been approved for funding from the government.
The upgrades are part of the annual, five-year capital plan submission the school district would have sent in for approval. In total, $1,190,000 has been approved from the School Enhancement Program (SEP) and the Carbon Neutral Capital Program (CNCP)
The SEP projects are electrical upgrades at Harrison Hot Springs Elementary, plumbing upgrades, including fire system upgrades, at Boston Bar Elementary Secondary, and roofing upgrades at Kent Elementary
The CNCP projects are LED lighting upgrades at Boston Bar Elementary Secondary, Harrison Hot Springs Elementary and Kent Elementary, and energy systems upgrades at Harrison Hot Springs Elementary.
SEP funding supports repair and maintenance projects that contribute to the function of the school and extend the life of the existing asset. CNCP funding supports carbon neutral projects that have the greatest impact on reducing GHG emissions and providing energy efficiency and operational cost savings.
Across the province, B.C. schools will receive $240.5 million in maintenance grants this year, marking a 10.5 per cent increase over last year.
“With over 1,500 public schools throughout our province, maintaining and improving our facilities is a critical priority to ensure students are learning in healthy, efficient and positive environments, no matter where they live,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education. “From ventilation and heating, to energy efficiency and lighting, increased maintenance funding allows districts to tackle immediate priorities and focus on providing the best learning experience possible for every B.C. student.”
$15 million of this year’s grants will go to purchase more than 100 new school buses, including electric school buses. The buses support the Province’s CleanBC targets for public sector organizations to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% by 2030 for vehicle fleets.
The Fraser Cascade Board of Education is currently working through the readings and adoption of the 2021/2022 Annual Budget. This is the preliminary budget, which includes these projects and others, and is a total of $27,999,186. There is a meeting tonight (May 18) and the public is welcome to attend virtually. More information is available at www.sd78.bc.ca.
READ MORE: SD 78 approves budget for 2019-2020
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