A 20 year lack of washroom facilities in the Pender Harbour Learning Centre will come to an end with an investment of $268,655 from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).
At the May 21 May Day event on the Madeira Park Elementary School grounds, MP Patrick Weiler (West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country), announced funding for a revitalization of that facility, adding two new modular units and accessibility features.
He released the details on behalf of the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan).
Joining Weiler on stage for the announcement was Francine Clohosey, manager of the centre. The two were introduced by local community association member and volunteer Bill Charlton. Weiler credited Charlton with reminding him about the need for the project during the MP’s recent visits to the area, keeping it fresh in his mind.
In a May 21 press release issued by the federal government, Weiler stated “Creating lively and functional shared spaces is an essential step towards strengthening community engagement post-pandemic. This investment ensures that Madeira Park residents of all ages will have a new and improved school facility in which to learn, work and play. It will bring people back together, generate local jobs and childcare, and position the community for long-term economic growth. This much needed investment will rejuvenate and upgrade a well-used facility. I look forward to witnessing the impacts first-hand.”
“Pender Harbour Community School Society Board and staff are absolutely delighted to be receiving this CCRF grant for this much-needed building upgrade," Pender Harbour Community School Society chair Helga Grout said in the release. "We are grateful for the hard work and efforts that have gone into getting this project off the ground. Our community relies on the generosity of all involved to make such an ambitious project a reality for present and future generations. A heartfelt thank you to our funders and to all involved."
The CCRF was launched in June 2021, providing $500 million over two years for Canada’s regional development agencies to invest in projects that build and improve community infrastructure.
Childcare space funding detailed
An appreciative crowd applauded the announcement, which followed one made by local MLA Nicholas Simons and School District #46 trustee Samantha Haines. That statement related to an April release about funding for 66 new spaces supported by Childcare BC’s New Spaces Fund.
