Schools throughout the province are going to get revamped, updated and upgraded, thanks to more than $35 million in provincial funding, Education Minister Mike Bernier announced today.

The East Kootenay’s Southeast Kootenay School District (SD5) and Rocky Mountain School District (SD6) will be receiving $2,256,950, or six per cent, of that funding for upgrades to seven schools.

The province’s Routine Capital Program, announced in August as a $20-million program, was expanded with an extra $15.3 million after school districts brought forward a large number of projects where the life of the school could be extended.

Included on that list is Cranbrook’s aging Mount Baker Secondary School, which is getting $368,000 to install two boilers and upgrades to circulation pumps.

In total, SD5 – Southeast Kootenay is receiving $946,750.

Laurie Middle School (Cranbrook), recently damaged in a suspicious fire, is getting $434,950 for roof and hydronic heat improvements, while Pinewood Elementary School, Amy Woodland Elementary School and Steeples Elementary School (all in Cranbrook) are splitting $143,800 to install gas fired air handling furnaces and heat pumps.

In total, SD6 – Rocky Mountain is receiving $1,310,200.

Invermere’s David Thompson Secondary School is getting $115,000 to replace a digital direct control panel and $134,300 to install a larger sawdust collection unit.

Golden Secondary School is getting $220,900 to upgrade a wood shop sawdust extractor and $840,000 to replace the roof.

In total, 109 projects are being funded under the expanded Routine Capital Program. Projects were chosen based on need, priority and supporting student learning.

“This program is all about making sure children have safe, healthy and modern places to learn. We are investing today and expanding this program to fix, repair and upgrade as many schools as possible,” Bernier stated.

A detailed list of the project details is online.

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