September 2, 2011
Raising the (Monkey) Bars for Local Schools

SIDNEY – Students at two public schools in Saanich and on Salt Spring Island will soon have the opportunity to explore brand new playgrounds, as Premier Christy Clark today announced $8 million over two years to support new, upgraded or replaced school playgrounds in the province

Why this matters:

  • North Saanich Middle School and Phoenix Elementary School on Salt Spring Island will be receiving $50,000 each after being identified by School District’s 63 and 64 as not having a playground and wanting one.
  • Public elementary and middle schools in B.C. are eligible for the playground funding, which will ensure that every public elementary school and every middle school that wants one, gets a playground for their students.
  • In addition, school districts have been asked to identify recently installed playgrounds that are eligible for reimbursement, and to prioritize those that require upgrades or replacements. Remaining funds will cover as many of those projects as possible.

Quote:

“Children discover the world through play and I am excited that we are able to provide a fun, healthy playground experience for the students at Phoenix Elementary and North Saanich Middle School.”
- Saanich North and the Islands MLA Murray Coell

Quick Facts:

  • Forty-four public elementary and middle schools in B.C. are receiving $50,000 for a new playground. Remaining funds will support more than a hundred upgraded, replaced or recently installed playgrounds in the province.
  • To ensure every public elementary school has a playground for students from the time they open, the Ministry of Education will be amending their capital project agreement with school districts to ensure that the installation of playground equipment is included when building an elementary school.
  • Over the past 10 years, government has spent more than $1.8 billion to complete 83 new and replacement schools, 149 school additions, 26 renovations and 22 site acquisitions across the province.
  • In the same time, the Province has committed more than $3.9 billion to school capital and maintenance

Learn More:

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