MLA Rice announces New playground planned for Ecole Roosevelt Park School, reviews list of capital projects for Schools of SD52

The Ministry of Education has announced funding for a number of new
school playgrounds across BC, including one for Prince Rupert.

The Provincial government is rolling out some funding today that will put school children to play with new outdoor equipment, through the Playground Equipment Program.

In their announcement today the province detailed the scope of the program for the year ahead.

This year, the PEP will invest $10 million in 60 new playgrounds in 50 school districts throughout the province. The funding for 2021-22 received a one-time $5-million boost compared to previous years. The funding for each project has also been increased by $40,000 to a total of $165,000 to better support accessible components – like ground cover, ramps and/or transfer platforms that connect to the play structure - to ensure a place for all students to play. Playgrounds will be built over the next year.

In Prince Rupert, that means $165,000 in funding for an accessible playground for Ecole Roosevelt Park Elementary School

Elsewhere in the region funding has been provided to the Nisga'a School District, Bulkley Valley School District and  Central Coast School District, the full list province wide is available at the bottom of today's announcement.

Towards the program the Province notes that School districts have the opportunity to apply for PEP funding from the ministry each year. Playgrounds are funded based on greatest need. Priority is given to schools where there is no playground at all, then to schools where the existing playground is aging. School districts that did not receive funding this year may reapply next year. 

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice made note of today's news for Prince Rupert and the Central Coast, including some further background on capital spending for school's around the constituency.

“When outdoor play is a regular part of kids school routines, they have an easier time focusing in the classroom, learning how to share, and building conflict resolution skills. This funding coming from the program our government created to provide consistent funding for playgrounds, takes the burden of fundraising off parents and supports the vibrancy of school communities.” -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice

As for the Capital spending a review of the May announcement notes that the Prince Rupert School District will see close to 1.5 million dollars provided

Both the Haida Gwaii and Central Coast School Districts will also see capital spending this year. 

More notes on Education around the Northwest can be accessed here.

For themes from the BC Government and Legislature see our archive page here.