The Government of B.C. has awarded $45 million worth of improvement projects to schools throughout the province, as part of the Province's School Enhancement Program. School districts were asked to identify priorities for routine capital upgrade projects to support healthy, efficient schools for students, teachers and staff.

Approved projects include:

• Electrical upgrades (power supply and distribution systems)
• Energy upgrades
• Health and safety upgrades (traffic safety, indoor air quality)
• Mechanical upgrades (heating, ventilation, plumbing)
• Roofing upgrades

“This fix-it fund will help make sure B.C. students have safe, healthy and modern places to learn. Not only will this help make schools in every district in the province more comfortable for students and staff, it’s also going to make sure we are protecting and enhancing infrastructure worth millions of dollars.” - Mike Bernier, Minister of Education

SD64 Gulf Islands received funds for Gulf Islands Secondary school and Salt Spring Island Middle school (Salt Spring) in the amount of $243,500 for wood shop dust extraction system upgrades.

Districts applied to the Ministry of Education in spring 2016 and successful projects were chosen based on need, priority and supporting student learning. Another requirement was that projects had to cost more than $100,000.

This year’s $45-million School Enhancement Program builds on last year’s $35-million Routine Capital Program investment, which supported 109 school improvement projects throughout the province.

As a result of B.C.'s fiscal discipline and its balanced budget, the government is able to support key investments like the School Enhancement Program.

“BCSTA is pleased that government has recognized the need for schools to have increased dollars for improvement projects and looks forward to continued capital investments through this positive initiative. These improvements will help to enhance school environments and contribute to the health and safety of students and school staffs.” - Teresa Rezansoff, president, British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA)

Quick Facts:

• The projects have to 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 seismic safety.

A detailed list of the project details is online.