The New Westminster school district will get $1.75 million from the province to help make schools more energy-efficient.
The B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care has announced $261.1 million in 2023-24 for school maintenance projects around the province. The minor capital funding announcements were made today (Wednesday, March 15).
School District 40 will see $1,750,000 of that money.
The funds will go towards two upgrades under the B.C. school enhancement program: HVAC upgrades at École Glenbrook Middle School and roofing upgrades at Queensborough Middle School.
They’ll also cover HVAC upgrades at École Herbert Spencer Elementary under the province’s carbon neutral capital program.
In total, SD40 had requested $7.8 million in minor capital funding under three categories: school enhancement, carbon neutral capital and playground equipment.
Playground equipment funding was not part of the March 15 announcement, but the district is hoping to see $165,000 for a universally accessible playground for at least one school this year. Topping its priority list for that funding is Skwo:wech Elementary.
Major capital project funding still to come
The B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care has not yet made its big-ticket funding announcements for major capital projects, such as new schools, expansions and land purchases — an area of great concern to School District 40, which is grappling with a space crisis caused by small school sites and rapidly growing enrolment.
The New Westminster school district made a $213-million capital plan submission for 2023-24 that includes $65.1 million for a new, 500-student middle school in the Fraser River zone and $47.7 million for an expansion to Queensborough Middle School.
It's also hoping for formal approval for the funding for the new Fraser River elementary school, which has received preliminary approvals at the concept plan stage but hasn't yet received funding.
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