OSOYOOS – One school in Osoyoos and another in Keremeos will be able to proceed with routine capital projects thanks to $ $707,000 in provincial funding. These improvements will help provide healthy, safe and modern learning environments.

 

• Osoyoos Secondary School: The current dust collection unit is undersized for the machinery in the shop area. Replacement will be combined with ducting improvements. Cost: $271,000.

 

• Similkameen Elementary Secondary School, Keremeos: The building will undergo numerous improvements, which includes installing new windows, upgrading washrooms, and increasing accessibility for people with disabilities. Cost: $ $436,000.

 

Work is expected to be completed by spring 2016.

“These upgrades will greatly improve the air quality at Osoyoos Secondary and Similkameen Elementary Secondary,” Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson said. “Ensuring our schools are safe and healthy is one of our government’s commitments and I am pleased that we are providing nearly $710,000 for these improvements.”

These projects were approved under the Province’s Routine Capital Program. Projects were chosen based on need, priority, and supporting student learning.

Quick Facts:

• Since 2002, the ministry has invested $4.2 billion in new and improved schools, including $2.2 billion in seismic upgrades. This has resulted in 112 new schools, 186 schools with increased classroom space and 146 seismically upgraded schools.
• Boards of education submit capital plans to the ministry that include details on school building priorities in their school districts.
• The provincial government establishes an overall capital budget for schools based the ministry’s capital allocation.