The provincial government is granting the Sunshine Coast School District’s (SD46) request for funding for a variety of projects to improve local schools.
On March 15, the Ministry of Education and Child Care announced how the $261.1 million slated in Budget 2023 for school maintenance projects will be used across the province in 2023-24. SD46 will be receiving a total of $1,549,384 under three different funding programs.
On the Sunshine Coast, roofing upgrades will be undertaken at Cedar Grove Elementary, Chatelech Secondary and Pender Harbour Elementary and Secondary through the School Enhancement Program.
Under the Carbon Neutral Capital Program, Elphinstone Secondary and Roberts Creek Elementary will see electrical upgrades.
The school district will also receive two new buses.
The budgeting also includes $3.4 billion for school capital projects for the next three years.
For school maintenance, $41 million will be for upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at 101 B.C. schools. Maintenance for repairs or issues will have access to flexible funding to the tune of $147.1 million, and the province is increasing the annual facility grant by an additional $26.6 million.
Another $13 million will help purchase at least 67 new school buses. Additional funding from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation provides school districts buying electric buses.
Of the $3.4 billion over three years, that funding will go toward land purchases for future schools, which will add nearly 20,000 student spaces. It also covers seismic upgrades and replacements, and school expansions.
