March 27, 2009
Record, Four-Year, $310-Million Education Capital Investment Will See New Schools Built: Bjornson
A record public schools capital investment of $310 million over four years will see construction of new schools and over 400 revitalization projects, Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
New middle schools will be built in La Broquerie, Steinbach and Winkler, and new high schools will be built in Steinbach and Winkler.
“Manitoba communities like Steinbach, Winkler and La Broquerie are growing and these new and revitalized schools will ensure their increasing number of students have access to cutting-edge centres of learning, entertainment, recreation and sport,” Bjornson said. “During these difficult economic times, this government remains committed to growing investments in our children’s education so that we can continue to build a strong and stable future.”
As part of this year’s $1.6-billion infrastructure commitment, the provincial government is investing $85 million this year and $75 million for each of the following three years. In addition to the new schools, this year the province will be investing in revitalization and renewal projects that include:
· $3 million to ensure 15 more schools can accommodate students with disabilities with the addition of grooming rooms/specialized washrooms, chair lifts and elevators;
· $12 million for roofing projects at 53 schools;
· $13 million for structural renewal projects at nine schools including masonry walls, foundations and roof structures; and
· $13 million to replace or upgrade heating and ventilation systems in 29 schools including boilers, heat-distribution and air-handling systems.
“We will continue to work with Manitobans to ensure our schools serve their communities in a variety of ways from shared space for child-care centres and libraries to venues for recreation and sporting events outside of school hours,” Bjornson said. “Our new and revitalized schools will ensure our students continue to be educated in environmentally friendly, green and healthy schools.”
With today’s announcement, the province has invested more than $568 million in public schools capital projects, an increase of $302.5 million from the previous decade. The provincial government has built 17 new schools, 12 replacement schools and completed over 55 addition and renovation projects.
This capital investment is part of the infrastructure stimulus announced in the provincial government’s economic statement and throne speech. It is estimated that for every $1 million invested in renovations, 30 jobs are created and $1.5 million is added to the GDP.
Manitoba’s Public Schools Finance Board determines capital program priorities based on local school board requests and long-range capital plans. The board finalizes assessments of all major construction projects and recommends projects to the minister.
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