A Coquitlam elementary school will be breathing easier after a nearly $1-million contribution toward a new heating and ventilation (HVAC) system.
The HVAC upgrade is for Eagle Ridge Elementary, located at 1215 Falcon Dr., and contributions totalling $932,760 came from a joint federal and provincial grant.
The announcement was made Thursday (June 15) via a news release.
What we know about ventilation upgrades
According to the press release, the new ventilation system for Eagle Ridge will make “an improvement to the ventilation in all classrooms at the school.”
Furnaces will be replaced and digital control systems will be upgraded to improve indoor air quality, enhance energy efficiency and optimize temperature regulation.
School District 43 (SD43) is also working on mechanical upgrade projects at Central, Millside (Inquiry Hub), Vanier and Heritage Woods this summer.
SD 43 is spending approximately 48% of its annual facilities grant on mechanical upgrades this year and using the rest of the budget on building envelope, roofing replacements, lighting upgrades, safety upgrades and classroom renovations.
Politicians weigh in on funding the project
Two Tri-City politicians say the jointly funded project will improve air quality at the school.
“Together, we are dedicated to fostering a healthy and clean learning environment for young learners, enhancing education experiences, and creating opportunities for success at Eagle Ridge Elementary school," stated Ron McKinnon, MP for Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam.
"By prioritizing safety and well being with these ventilation improvements, we are ensuring the safety and comfort of every student and staff member who frequent this school,” noted McKinnon, who was speaking on behalf of the Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, minister of intergovernmental affairs and infrastructure.
Also noting the provincial contribution is Fin Donnelly, MLA for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain.
“Students, teachers and staff deserve to learn and work in a healthy environment that promotes well being. I’m glad that our government is partnering with the federal government to improve heating, cooling and air quality at Eagle Ridge Elementary,” Donnelly further added.
Money announced earlier
This is the second announcement for this project.
In an earlier announcement, the province committed $2.6 million for improvements to two School District 43 schools, including the HVAC upgrade at Eagle Ridge.
As well, Rochester Elementary at 411 Schoolhouse St. is getting a new exterior wall system.
The funds were announced in March as part of the the School Enhancement Program (SEP) and the Carbon Neutral Capital Program.
