News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

Students at three schools in the Cariboo-Chilcotin school district will benefit from cleaner air and more efficient heating, thanks to a $1.4-million investment from the Province and school district, announced Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett.

"The Province is working with northern and Interior school districts to ensure we keep our education funding focused on students, not on heating schools," said Barnett. "Improved heating efficiency, a more comfortable learning environment and a cleaner air shed are all benefits of these projects."

The three schools will be receiving a variety of physical plant upgrades, which will result in an estimated carbon reduction of 234 tonnes per year for the district.

Highlights include:

• Mile 108 Elementary school will receive a ground-source heat pump system. The estimated carbon footprint reduction is 76 per cent or 63 tonnes per year.
• Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior Secondary school will receive a new propane heating system to replace the existing oil-fired boiler. The estimated carbon footprint reduction is 44 per cent or 40 tonnes per year.
• Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary school will receive a new bio-energy heating system to replace the existing propane-fired boiler. The estimated carbon footprint reduction is 100 per cent or 131 tonnes per year.

"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.

"These rural schools will benefit from the updating of their physical plants," said Cariboo-Chilcotin Lakes board chair Wayne Rodier. "Our students recognize the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions so projects like these help reinforce those ideals."

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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