August 30, 2006

Repairs and renovations of Ontario schools

LONDON

Major repairs and renovations are being made to school roofs, boilers and windows across Ontario.

“Students deserve the very best education we can deliver in schools that are modern, updated and in good repair,” said Premier McGuinty. “By building better schools for our students, we’re helping them to succeed and reach their full potential.”

Premier McGuinty and Minister of Education Sandra Pupatello were at Holy Family Catholic School Monday, where work on a new roof, fire alarm system, windows, emergency lighting and ventilation improvements is expected to be complete by the start of the school year.

“We’re making our schools cleaner, safer and better places for our students to learn and succeed,” said Pupatello. “Students and teachers alike are already benefiting from better school buildings, which mean more positive learning environments — a key ingredient to improving student achievement.”

As of April 2006, over 3,000 major construction projects worth about $500 million have been completed or are underway.

In 2006-07, school boards will receive additional funding to support continued renovations, and to improve specialized learning areas such as libraries, gyms and labs. The funding will also support repairing or replacing schools in poor condition. In total, $1.2 billion worth of repairs, additions and new construction will be undertaken this school year.

Good Places to Learn initiative is a school renewal program to help fund $4 billion worth of repairs and renovations, over four years, in schools across the province.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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