Province funds HVAC upgrades at Vernon schools and new buses

Mar 15, 2022 | 3:18 PM

The B.C. Government is investing in school improvements across the province, including in Vernon and the Okanagan.

School District 22 is being awarded $2,892,836 in provincial funds to support School Enhancement Programs (SEP), Carbon Neutral Capital Programs (CNCP) and Bus Acquisition Programs.

The SEP investment at SD 22 will support heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades at Charles Bloom Secondary while the HVAC will be upgraded at Alexis Park Elementary under the CNCP.

The funds will also be used to purchase four new school buses for the school district. School districts that use the funds to purchase electric buses can receive additional funding of 33 per cent up to $150,000 per bus through the CleanBC Go Electric School Bus Program.

As of time of publication, SD 22 has not responded to a request for comment from Vernon Matters.

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The money allocated to SD 22 is part of a $240.5-million commitment for school maintenance projects across the B.C. in 2022-23, which includes $48.4 million for upgrading HVAC systems at 90 schools.

“Investments in schools are investments in student success, and we are putting more resources into buses, classrooms and schools so that students can thrive,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education.

“That’s why our government continues to deliver on our commitment to support school districts in upgrading and maintaining their schools to ensure students are learning in safe, healthy environments.”

Other area school districts receiving funds under this initiative include:

Revelstoke (SD 19) – $1,492,750