Stanley Humphries Secondary, Kinnaird Elementary, Fruitvale Elementary and Rossland Summit Schools will all be getting upgrades to thier HVAC systems thanks to a provincial funding boost.
Kootenay-Columbia School District 20 will be receiving more than $1.6 million.
The B.C. Ministry of Education announced $240.5 million in maintenance grants this year – a 10.5 per cent increase over last year in an effort to become energy efficient.
“With over 1,500 public schools throughout our province, maintaining and improving our facilities is a critical priority to ensure students are learning in healthy, efficient and positive environments, no matter where they live,” said Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside.
“From ventilation and heating, to energy efficiency and lighting, increased maintenance funding allows districts to tackle immediate priorities and focus on providing the best learning experience possible for every B.C. student.”
The province will spend $15 million on more than 100 new school buses, including electric school buses in support of the province’s CleanBC targets to reduce their GHG emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 for vehicle fleets.
“We are creating a cleaner environment for students and putting future generations on the road to a clean energy future,” said Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Minister Bruce Ralston. “Not only are these electric school buses reducing air pollution, but they also cost less over time to operate.”
The funds will see improvements to HVAC systems at 84 schools, electrical systems at 66 schools, and energy system upgrades at 26 schools throughout B.C.