Province, federal government supporting school renovations

DAN CEARNS. Local Journalism Intiative Reporter, for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES/DURHAM: The Ontario government has recently announced funding to support local school boards.

According to a press release, sent out on Wednesday, April 14th, the funding is intended to “upgrade infrastructure at local schools to protect against COVID-19,” and is being made available through the “COVID-19 Reliance Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.” The funding is a partnership between the federal and provincial governments.

“The Government of Canada is investing up to $525.2 million towards these projects, through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Ontario is contributing $131.3 million to the projects,” the press release explained.

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) is receiving $7,485,000, the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is being given $10,750,000, the Durham District School Board is getting $17,590,360, and the Durham Catholic District School Board will receive $7,442,675.

Some possible uses for the funds include: HVAC renovations, installation of water bottle refilling stations, and room reconfigurations.

“The health and well-being of students remains the highest priority for our government,” Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott said, in a statement. “Building on previous investments, this funding will help support important upgrades for local schools.”

In his own statement, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MP Jamie Schmale said, this funding “will benefit students now and in the future, by supporting a healthier school environment.”