Governments invest in school upgrades and repairs

Schools across Nova Scotia will get retrofits, repairs and upgrades with more than $25 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments.

Premier Iain Rankin joined federal representatives today, June 2, at a virtual press conference to announce the investments.

“Nova Scotia is a growing, vibrant province, and our schools are the heart of our communities,” said Premier Rankin. “This significant investment, which is over and above regular capital repairs, will improve the school and learning experience for our students and staff from one end of the province to the other.”

Projects, which vary by region and school, include:

  • energy efficiency improvements, including new windows and upgraded building systems
  • improved accessibility, including new elevators and lifts
  • exterior and interior repairs, including new roofs or roof repairs, facade upgrades and painting

“An investment in our schools and classrooms is an investment in our students, teachers and staff,” said Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “By partnering with the Government of Canada, we are improving dozens of schools in Nova Scotia, ensuring more comfortable places to learn.”

Following is a breakdown by regional centres for education and Conseil scolaire acadien provincial:

  • Annapolis Valley – nine schools, $4.1 million
  • Cape Breton-Victoria – six schools, $4.3 million
  • Chignecto Central – 11 schools, $3.5 million
  • Conseil scolaire acadien provincial – six schools, $3.7 million
  • Halifax – 14 schools, $4.9 million
  • South Shore – seven schools, $2 million
  • Strait – three schools, $1.5 million
  • Tri-County – 20 schools, $1.7 million

The Government of Canada is investing more than $20.5 million through the COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing more than $5 million.

Quotes:

“The Government of Canada is taking strong and quick action to protect the health and safety of all Canadians, to stabilize our economy, and to support communities across Canada. The repairs and improvements to schools across Nova Scotia will promote a healthier, safer learning environment for students and staff. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.

“ – Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities