Ontario is supporting upgrades and repairs to schools in Northumberland and Quinte West to ensure students have access to modern, efficient places to learn and grow.
Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland – Quinte West was at Dr. MS Hawkins Senior Public School and Port Hope High School today to announce that schools in Northumberland-Quinte West will be receiving $6,461,200 this year for a number of important projects.
Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB $2,146,220
Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic DSB $ 528,690
Hastings and Prince Edward DSB $2,674,590
Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic DSB $1,111,700
Ontario will spend $1.4 billion on school renewals and repairs across the province this year, which includes $200 million from the new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). The GGRF will support retrofit projects that reduce energy use in schools, including installing energy-efficient windows, lights and furnaces. These projects will benefit students by creating a healthier and more comfortable learning environment and building a low-carbon province in which they can thrive.
Ontario is committed to helping every child get off to a good start in life and have the opportunity to reach their potential. In addition to investing to make schools better places to learn, Ontario is increasing access to affordable, quality licensed child care, making prescription medications free for everyone 24 years of age and younger through OHIP+ and transforming the Ontario Student Assistance Program to make average tuition free for more than 210,000 students and reduce the cost for many more.
Making schools better learning environments and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
QUOTES
“Our children are our pride and joy. They deserve the best possible education and a healthy planet. Upgrading school buildings across Ontario and at the same time making them part of the solution to climate change will help us give them the best start and a healthy, low-carbon future.”
–– Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
“Energy-efficient repair and renewal projects are an important investment in the well-being of Ontario’s students. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions from schools and keeping schools in a state of good repair, we can provide them with healthier learning environments for years to come.”
— Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Education
“Our government is committed to the continued success and well-being of Northumberland and Quinte West students. An investment in our schools is an investment in our future and our children’s futures. Our students and communities will benefit from this funding for years to come.”
— Lou Rinaldi, MPP, Northumberland – Quinte West
“Over the last five years, KPR schools have benefitted from significant funding for school improvements. We continue to do all that we can to ensure our schools are brighter, more vibrant places for our students to learn and grow together. We thank the provincial government for continuing to put public education at the forefront of its decision making.”
— Cathy Abraham, Chair of the Board, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
“As a recipient of this funding, we are pleased with the Liberal Government’s focus on Education.”
— John Brisbois, Chair of the Board, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
“We appreciate receiving this funding, it is welcome news. It will help reduce operating and maintenance costs through the installation of high efficiency boilers and LED lighting in our schools.”
— Lucille Kyle, Chair of the Board, Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board
“At PVNCCDSB we take our stewardship of the environment very seriously. In addition to being recently ranked as the third most energy efficient Board in Ontario, one-third of our schools have been certified as Ontario EcoSchools. This enhanced funding will help our Catholic schools remain green for years to come.”
—Michelle Griepsma, Chair of the Board, Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington DSB
QUICK FACTS
- In recent years, the province has significantly increased the amount invested annually in school repairs and renewals. Since 2013, Ontario has invested almost $10 billion to renew schools and provide students with better, safer and healthier learning environments.
- The GGRF will provide $200 million in funding in 2017–18 for school building upgrades such as high-efficiency lighting, building automation systems, energy-efficient windows, and solar energy and geothermal systems. The GGRF will be funded through proceeds from Ontario’s cap and trade auctions.
This funding is part of Ontario’s $1.4 billion investment this year to improve school buildings by repairing and upgrading elements such as roofs, flooring and plumbing systems.
- Ontario is investing proceeds from cap and trade auctions into Climate Change Action Plan actions to help meet legislated provincial targets to cut greenhouse gas pollution to 15 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, 37 per cent by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2050.
- Buildings, and the energy they consume, account for almost one quarter of Ontario’s total greenhouse gas pollution.
LEARN MORE
Province Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Schools
Education Funding — 2017–18 Grants for Student Needs
Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan
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For More information:
Lou Rinaldi, M.P.P.
1-800-263-3980
