Students, teachers and staff at six schools in the West Vancouver school district will benefit from $271,180 in provincial School Enhancement Program funding.

Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, announced today, on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier, that the district will use the new funding to upgrade fire alarm systems at the following schools:

• Caulfield Elementary
• Cypress Park Primary
• Gleneagles Ch’axáý Elementary
• Hollyburn Elementary
• West Bay Elementary
• Westcott Elementary

Government announced an extra $20 million in funding under the program in September 2016. As a result, 217 school improvement projects have been approved to proceed throughout the province.

Out of the 217 approved projects, 122 schools will use the funding to upgrade their plumbing lines and fixtures. A number of districts will benefit from new or repaired roofs or upgraded fire response systems. For this round of funding, the Ministry of Education expanded the scope of eligible projects to include flooring upgrades and 30 schools will benefit from improved flooring.

As a result of B.C.'s fiscal discipline and balanced budget, government is able to support student learning, community development and local jobs through key investments like the School Enhancement Program.

Quotes:

Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky –

“Ensuring the safety systems in our schools remain modern and up-to-date is an important responsibility. By facilitating upgrades to fire alarm systems in four of our schools, this funding allows us to fulfil that responsibility and make our schools safer places to work and learn.”

Ralph Sultan, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano –

“The School Enhancement Program helps ensure essential maintenance is completed at schools in West Vancouver and across British Columbia. I’m proud of the BC Liberal government’s dedication to strong fiscal management that makes certain this fund is available to improve our student’s classrooms.”

Quick Facts:

• The School Enhancement Program is aimed at helping school districts extend the life of their facilities through a wide range of improvement projects, including: 
  • 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; and
  • flooring upgrades.
• Districts applied for funding to the Ministry of Education in September 2016. Successful projects were chosen based on need, priority and how well they support student learning and safety.
• To be eligible, projects must cost between $100,000 and $3 million and be substantially complete by March 31, 2017.
• Budget 2016 provides $1.7 billion in capital funding over three years to replace aging facilities, build more student spaces in growing communities and improve school seismic safety.

Learn More:

B.C.’s School Enhancement Program: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/administration/resource-management/capital-planning/school-enhancement-program