Two Coquitlam elementary schools will be getting a refresh after a funding announcement by the B.C. government.
According to a news release today (March 15), School District 43 (SD43) will receive $2,682,760 in funding for the two projects through the School Enhancement Program (SEP) and the Carbon Neutral Capital Program.
The exterior wall system will be replaced at Rochester Elementary School, located at 411 Schoolhouse St., Coquitlam.
Additionally, SD43 will receive cash for a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for Eagle Ridge Elementary School, located at 1215 Falcon Dr.
Money announced in B.C. budget
The money is coming as part of the provincial government's Budget 2023, with $261.1 million provided in 2023/24 for maintenance projects at B.C. schools, which includes:
- $41 million to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems at 101 schools
- $13 million to purchase at least 67 new school buses
- $23 million to support energy and electrical upgrades at 86 schools through the Carbon Neutral Capital Program
Schools also get an annual facility grant to address maintenance issues, with $147.1 million available for school districts across the province.
The provincial education minister says the money is an "historic investment" in school capital projects.
“Schools are the cornerstones of our communities, and our government is continuing to invest in our school infrastructure to ensure that our kids have clean, safe, modern places to learn, grow and play,” stated Rachna Singh, minister of education, in the release.
