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School District 47 receives funding for upgrades to qathet region schools

Province allocates more than $1 million to roofing and electrical projects
Paul Galinski
Paul Galinski
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ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT: Henderson Elementary School is one of five buildings in School District 47 that will be undergoing capital upgrades through a grant from the provincial government.Peak archive photo

School District 47 will be receiving more than $1 million from the provincial government to carry out five capital projects in local schools.

According to a written statement to the Peak from SD47 secretary-treasurer Steve Hopkins, the school district submitted the projects for consideration in last year’s capital planning cycle.

“Under the school enhancement program, we will be replacing the low slope (flat) roof on the main building at James Thomson Elementary, which includes the gymnasium,” stated Hopkins. “We will also be replacing the low slope roof on the gymnasium at Henderson Elementary. Both of these projects are expected to proceed sometime late this coming summer.”

The school district also made applications under the carbon neutral program for three projects.

“These include an electrical service upgrade at Henderson Elementary, the scope of which will include the installation of a six-kilowatt solar system onto the roof once the roofing project has been completed,” stated Hopkins. “This system will be similar to what was installed at Edgehill Elementary School previously.

“At Westview Elementary, we will be installing a 25-kilowatt grid-tie solar system, and at Texada Elementary we will be upgrading the lighting system to LED. These projects are also expected to take place over the coming summer and fall.”

According to a media release from BC Ministry of Education, more funding to improve schools through better ventilation, reduced emissions and increased accessibility is going to school districts around the province, with annual capital programs that are creating safer, healthier schools and supporting CleanBC initiatives.

“Investments in schools are investments in student success, and we are putting more resources into buses, classrooms and schools so students can thrive,” stated minister of education Jennifer Whiteside. “That’s why our government continues to deliver on our commitment to support school districts in upgrading and maintaining their schools to ensure students are learning in safe, healthy environments.”