Students, teachers and staff at Port Hardy Secondary school (PHSS) in School District #85 will soon benefit from $717,000 in provincial School Enhancement Program funding.
Education Minister Mike Bernier announced on Nov. 2 that the district will use the new funding to upgrade the school’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
“I’m really pleased the government is providing the school district with additional capital funding to undertake improvements in the heating and ventilation systems at Port Hardy Secondary School,” said School District #85 Secretary-Treasurer John Martin, when asked to comment on the news.
The B.C. government announced an extra $20 million in funding under the program in September 2016. As a result, 217 school improvement projects have been approved to proceed throughout the province.
Out of the 217 approved projects, 122 schools will use the funding to upgrade their plumbing lines and fixtures.
A number of districts will benefit from new or repaired roofs or upgraded fire response systems. For this round of funding, the Ministry of Education expanded the scope of eligible projects to include flooring upgrades and 30 schools will benefit from improved flooring.
The School Enhancement Program is aimed at helping school districts extend the life of their facilities through a wide range of improvement projects, including: plumbing, boiler and other mechanical upgrades; heating and ventilation upgrades; roof repairs or replacement; windows, lighting and electrical system upgrades; safety enhancements including fire protection; and flooring upgrades.
“The funding certainly is great news for the school,” said PHSS Vice Principal Adrian Pendergast. “It will help keep our building a modern, comfortable and safe place for our students.”
