Steinbach MLA and Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced that the Manitoba government is investing $57.5 million in 59 crucial infrastructure renewal projects across the province.

“Our ongoing investment in school infrastructure will strengthen buildings and improve accessibility so that Manitoba students can receive a quality education for generations to come,” said Goertzen.

Capital funding for 2019-20 will provide structural repairs, roof replacements, new mechanical systems and accessibility projects for kindergarten to Grade 12 schools across the province. The provincial investment includes:

  • $15.5 million for roofing projects in the Mountain View, Winnipeg, Fort la Bosse, Seine River, Rolling River, Flin Flon, Pembina Trails, River East Transcona, Evergreen, Interlake, Seven Oaks, St. James-Assiniboia, Swan Valley and Louis Riel school divisions and Mystery Lake School District;
  • $17 million for mechanical system replacements in River East Transcona, Sunrise, Louis Riel, Winnipeg, Mountain View, Brandon, St. James-Assiniboia and Pembina Trails school divisions;
  • $14.4 million for structural upgrades in Portage la Prairie, Frontier, Red River, River East Transcona, Winnipeg, St. James-Assiniboia, Interlake, Division scolaire franco-manitobaine and Mountain View school divisions; and
  • $10.6 million for Evergreen, St. James-Assiniboia, Red River Valley, River East Transcona, Louis Riel, Winnipeg, Mountain View and Flin Flon school divisions.

The investment will allow several schools to undergo major renovation projects. Sisler High School in Winnipeg will receive approximately $7 million worth of improvements that include a 4,000-sq.-ft. addition with three new classrooms, a new elevator, a roof replacement on two wings and a new steam heating system. Construction will begin this spring, the minister noted.

A comprehensive renewal at MacKenzie Middle School in Dauphin will see at least $4 million in upgrades to a 60-year-old wing including a roof replacement, a new mechanical heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system and a foundation upgrade. To improve accessibility, a new link will connect the second-storey wing to the main building and two accessible washrooms will be installed. Construction is slated to begin in summer 2019, Goertzen added.

“These necessary infrastructure upgrades support Mountain View School Division’s mission in creating learning environments that are safe and inclusive to all students, so they can participate actively in all aspects of school life and reach their full potential,” said Donna Davidson, superintendent and chief executive officer, Mountain View School Division.

The Public Schools Finance Board plans to complete the projects within a timeframe of six to 24 months following the award of tenders and start of construction, the minister added.