The next round of provincial funding, aimed at helping with repairs to Cowichan Valley schools, was announced last week.
A total of $220,000 from the School Enhancement Program will go towards a wastewater treatment upgrade at École Cobble Hill, Education Minister Mike Bernier said when sharing information about $20 million for 217 school improvement projects across the province.
Out of the 217 approved projects, 122 schools will use the funding to upgrade their plumbing lines and fixtures. A number of districts will benefit from new or repaired roofs or upgraded fire response systems.
Jason Sandquist, secretary-treasurer of the Cowichan Valley school district, said at the Nov. 1 board of education meeting that the district has benefited before from the School Enhancement Program.
“The first part of this program provided the board with funding for roofing at Cobble Hill and Maple Bay and this is the second round of ministry money from that fund,” he said.
Districts applied to the Ministry of Education in September 2016 and successful projects were chosen based on need, priority, and how well they support student learning and safety, according to the education ministry.
To be eligible, projects must cost between $100,000 and $3 million and be substantially complete by March 31, 2017.
Sandquist added that he is not yet sure when the project will start.
“Through the School Enhancement Program, we are continuing to deliver on our commitment to help school districts protect, preserve and extend the life of their schools,” said Bernier in making his announcement. He visited the Cowichan Valley on Nov. 22. “We are doing this to ensure that our students have the secure, safe and comfortable environment they need to succeed.”