Wednesday December 7, 2011

BC Gov't News

Playground Money Coming Back   

Liberals not playing around when it comes to three Chilliwack schools

Released by Marc Wang, BC Gov't Caucus

arent Advisory Councils (PACs) at three Chilliwack public schools are receiving a total of $62,500 in reimbursements for playground equipment. The funding is part of $2.4 million to reimburse PACs throughout the province that recently purchased playground equipment with funds they raised.

"These playgrounds are essential additions to our schools. For many students, they are the centrepiece of their school, and playing on them is the highlight of their day," said Chilliwack MLA John Les in a news release Wednesday.

The following schools in School District 33 (Chilliwack) will receive a playground reimbursement for their PACs:

  • F.G. Leary Fine Arts Elementary ($7,500)

  • McCammon Traditional Elementary ($25,000)

  • Tyson Elementary ($30,000)

"Playgrounds are an important part of helping kids develop active, healthy lifestyles. I'm very pleased our PACs are receiving funds to help renew and replace aging equipment," said Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner.

Why this matters:

  • This reimbursement recognizes PACs for their hard work and commitment to students.

  • This money is part of the $8-million over two years that Premier Christy Clark announced in September for new playgrounds, reimbursements, and playground upgrades, repairs and replacements.

  • School districts were asked to identify schools that had purchased adventure-style playground equipment using PAC-raised funds since January 1, 2011, which was eligible for reimbursement under this program.

Quick Facts:

  • Based on school district input there are 102 public elementary and middle schools that are eligible to receive a reimbursement towards PAC playground contributions. This spans across 31 school districts.
     

  • Each PAC was eligible to receive up to a maximum of $50,000 depending on how much they contributed to the project.
     

  • School districts will be reimbursed directly by the Ministry of Education, and will be responsible for ensuring their PACs are reimbursed appropriately.
     

  • The first round of funding supported 40 new playgrounds for elementary and middle schools that were identified as not having a playground but wanting one, for a total of $2 million.
     

  • The final phase of the playground program will see approximately $3.6 million being distributed for high-priority playground upgrades, repairs and replacements.

Related Links
For more information on Education in B.C. visit www.gov.bc.ca/bced

PACs having concerns about the dollar amounts shown above, or the eligibility of schools not listed, should contact their school district directly. Contact information can be found here.

For more information visit: www.barrypenner.com and www.johnles.com

 

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