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

PRINCE GEORGE – Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) at two Prince George public schools are receiving a total of $30,497 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 57 will receive a playground reimbursement for their PACs:

  • Heritage Elementary - $15,956
  • École Lac des Bois - $14,541

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: 

“This is great news for students in Prince George, who now have new playground equipment to look forward to. I’m sure these playgrounds will contribute to plenty of fun and exercise.”
-Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell

“New playgrounds are not only a benefit for students at these two schools in Prince George, they are a benefit for all children living in the surrounding neighbourhoods. School playgrounds are vital parts of our communities and it is great to see ongoing investment in Prince George schools."
-Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond

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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