December 7, 2011
No Monkeying Around: More Funding For School Playgrounds

SALMON ARM – Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) at five Shuswap-area public schools are receiving a total of $126,000 in reimbursements for playground equipment.  The funding is part of $2.4 million to reimburse PACs throughout the province that recently purchased playground equipment for their kids with funds they raised.

The following schools in School District 83 (North Okanagan – Shuswap) will receive a playground reimbursement for their PACs:

  • Ashton Creek Elementary ($29,000)
  • Bastion Elementary ($29,000)
  • North Shuswap Elementary ($28,000)
  • Salmon Arm West Elementary ($7,000)
  • South Broadview  Elementary ($33,000)

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.

Quotes:

"Playgrounds are a key part of our schools and communities and for many students, time on the playground is their favourite part of the school day. I am pleased that this funding has been announced in recognition of the hard work of PACs to support these essential investments."
               Shuswap MLA George Abbott

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.

Learn More:

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