Clearview Elementary/Jr. Secondary was filled with cheers from students, staff and community members today, as they celebrated the official opening of their new $3.6-million gymnasium.

The school was built in 1969 as an elementary school. Over time, it was reconfigured to accommodate older students, creating the need for a bigger gym to serve all students.

To fund this project, the Province and the Peace River North school district each provided $600,000, with the Province contributing an additional $1.2 million through the FairShare economic development program. The Peace River Regional District also contributed $1.2 million to make this project possible.

Thanks to the gym expansion, students can now participate in a full range of school games. The gym also provides adults with a number of new fitness and sports opportunities and will provide a venue for a wide range of community events.

The new gym complements an indoor ice arena located next to the school, which is also used by students and the community.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“The gym expansion at Clearview Elementary/Jr. Secondary is a great example of what we can accomplish when the Province, school districts and municipal governments work together for our students.

“The new gym will provide recreational and social opportunities for people of all ages. This was a unique partnership and I want to thank all of our stakeholders for their hard work in completing this great project.”

Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm -

“Our government is working to bring the best educational and community resources to rural communities across B.C. As a long-time resident in this region, I know this gym will be a cherished gathering place for not only our students but for local families of Flatrock, Goodlow and Cecil Lake as well.”

Jaret Thompson, Peace River North Board of Education chair -

“I thank the regional district, community members, and government for partnering with us to create this invaluable school and community asset. We look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”

Quick Facts:

• Clearview Elementary/Jr. Secondary is a kindergarten-to-Grade 10 school with a student population of 145 students. The school is located 50 km east of Fort St. John.
• Total cost for the new gym was $3.6 million, with the Ministry of Education providing $600,000; the B.C. government providing an additional $1.2 million through the FairShare program; the school district providing $600,000; and the Regional District providing $1.2 million.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $13.5 million in capital projects in the Peace River North school district for additions to North Peace Secondary, Duncan Cran Elementary, and Prespatou Elementary-Secondary schools. The government also invested more than $6.4 million for additional space for full-day kindergarten.

Learn More:

Clearview Elementary/Jr. Secondary: http://www.clearview.prn.bc.ca/

BC’s Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963