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

VANCOUVER –Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) at 13 Vancouver-area public schools are receiving a total of $381,500 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 39 (Vancouver) will receive a playground reimbursement for their PACs:

  • Champlain Heights Elementary ($8,000)
  • Dr. Annie B Jamieson Elementary ($50,000)
  • École Jules Quesnel Elementary ($10,000)
  • John Norquay Elementary ($13,000)
  • Lord Selkirk Elementary ($50,000)
  • Renfrew Elementary ($40,500)
  • Sir Alexander Mackenzie Elementary ($23,000)
  • Sir Matthew Begbie Elementary ($32,000)
  • Southlands Elementary ($20,000)
  • Tecumseh Annex ($30,000)
  • Thunderbird Elementary ($27,000)
  • Tyee Elementary ($50,000)
  • Walter Moberly Elementary ($28,000)

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 an essential part of a healthy and fun school experience. Today’s funding recognizes PAC volunteers for their hard work and commitment to supporting students. "
- Vancouver-Fraserview MLA Kash Heed

“Children at these Vancouver schools will able to enjoy the thrill of swinging across the monkey bars thanks to the dedication of hard working Parent Advisory Council volunteers. These funds recognize their commitment to the kids.”
- Vancouver-Langara MLA Dr. Moira Stilwell

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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