Province of Manitoba Media Release |
The Manitoba government is investing almost $55 million to maintain and improve more than 100 schools throughout the province, Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum announced today at Dakota Collegiate, where nearly $4 million in work is underway to expand the gymnasium, renovate science labs, upgrade the roof and install a new heating system.
Local Projects Include:
Minitonas Middle School Electric unit ventilators – design only
Swan Valley Regional Secondary School Crane for heavy duty shop
Swan Valley Regional Secondary School Bleacher replacement
“Providing students with high-quality education requires investing in high-quality schools that give students a strong start in life and opportunities for the future. Resources are stretched, but we won’t go back to the 1990’s when cuts to education meant school divisions had to choose between fixing schools or hiring teachers,” said Minister Allum.
Important repairs to be covered by the capital funding from this year’s record $55-million school infrastructure budget include more than 23 heating and ventilation upgrades, 17 roofing replacements, 21 structural projects, 16 improved-access projects and 31 skills programming and other capital projects, the minister said.
“Every day the teachers at Dakota Collegiate strive to create the conditions that enable every student’s success. Many of our students spend more than half of their waking hours at school; it is like their second home. This announcement reaffirms our partnership with the community towards ensuring that all students are learning in a safe, comfortable environment where they can reach their full potential,” said Jill Mathez, principal, Dakota Collegiate.
Today’s announcement builds on previous investments of over $1 billion in school construction since 1999 and adds to other major capital projects that are currently underway.
The Manitoba government is building six new schools to meet the demands of a growing province and creating 28 new classrooms by expanding schools for smaller class sizes to help students achieve success, said Minister Allum. Further investments include new skills and training facilities, new gymnasiums, new child-care centres and the continuation of science lab renovations across the province.