Province invests $1.39 million to extend the life of a school in Keremeos

KEREMEOS – Students, parents and teachers at Similkameen Elementary School in Keremeos will see a revamped and refreshed school thanks to $1.39 million going to the district under the province’s School Enhancement Program.

The project is a mechanical upgrade to replace the existing gas-fired roof-top unit with dual fuel air source heat pumps. Along with the provincial government’s $1.39-million contribution, School District 53 is providing $100,000.

The School Enhancement Program is improving 80 schools across every district this year. Districts applied to the Ministry of Education this spring and successful projects were chosen based on need and priority.

As a result of B.C.’s fiscal discipline and its balanced budget, the government is able to support key investments like the School Enhancement Program.

“Through the School Enhancement Program, Similkameen Elementary School will receive much-needed improvements that will benefit students, teachers and staff,” Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson said. “This is another example of how schools continue to benefit from B.C.’s balanced budget.”

The projects have to be substantially complete by March 31, 2017.

This year’s $40-million School Enhancement Program builds on last year’s $35-million Routine Capital Program investment, which supported 109 school improvement projects throughout the province.

Budget 2016 provides $1.7 billion in capital funding over three years to replace aging facilities, build more student spaces in growing communities and improve seismic safety.