July 22, 2010
Northern Students Benefit from Mechanical Upgrade

PRINCE GEORGE - Students at Ecole Franco-Nord Elementary will benefit from cleaner air and more efficient heating, thanks to an $800,000-investment from the Province and school district, announced Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond and Prince George- Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell.

"It is important that students and staff have a comfortable, healthy learning environment," said Bond. "This investment will help improve air quality, improve the efficiency of the heating system and reduce the carbon footprint. These mechanical upgrades will provide direct benefits to our students, staff and the environment."

Ecole Franco-Nord Elementary school will receive high-efficiency condensing boilers to replace its existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The estimated carbon footprint reduction is 35 per cent or 51 tonnes per year due to increased efficiency.

"This investment ensures the latest heating and cooling technologies in this school," said Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell. "Students will have a more comfortable and a more environmentally friendly school space in which to learn."

"These upgrades put student learning first while providing a more environmentally sound learning space with improved air quality and heating efficiency," said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "School districts will be able to keep more funds focused on learning through the cost savings the upgrades will bring."

The Province is funding up to $500,000 for specific projects. Qualifying Interior and northern school districts are making a minimum matching investment of 50 per cent of the total project budget. Boards may invest additional funds to support local upgrades.

"People in Prince George know the importance of having schools that deliver improved efficiency and environmental benefits," said Conseil Scolaire Francophone board chair Marie Bourgeois. "This new system for Ecole Franco-Nord Elementary promises to provide a more comfortable learning environment while supporting clean air goals."

The project is part of an investment by the Province and school districts to improve energy and air quality in Interior and northern B.C. schools. This investment is part of a $20 million initiative that is expected to create up to 128 direct jobs as part of the Province's $14-billion public infrastructure program. Through Budget 2010, the Province is also providing $110 million to school districts across B.C. for annual facilities grants.

Since 2001, the Province has spent more than $1.7 billion to complete 80 new and replacement schools, 148 additions, 26 renovation projects and 22 site acquisitions across B.C. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards. By the end of 2010-11, the Province will have committed more than $3.9 billion in school capital and maintenance projects across B.C.

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