UPGRADING FIVE REGINA AREA SCHOOLS

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $529,000 on improvements to five schools in Regina and the surrounding area.

"We are investing in schools, in students and in the future of Saskatchewan," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said. "As part of our long-term K-12 capital strategy, these 2004-05 block funding upgrade projects demonstrate our continued commitment to improve the learning environment in Saskatchewan schools."

The capital improvement projects include:

- The Qu'Appelle Valley School Division will receive $378,000 for renovations to the 1964 section of Balgonie Elementary School and to complete the other final additions and upgrades at the school;

- The Regina Catholic School Division will receive $81,000 for special needs accessibility upgrades and washroom renovations for Miller Comprehensive High School; and

- The Regina Public School Division will receive $30,000 for an accessibility entrance and wheelchair ramp for Wascana Community School, $27,000 to renovate and expand the developmental centre for Grant Road School and $13,000 for an accessibility entrance, wheelchair ramp and washroom renovations for Campbell Collegiate;

These projects will be cost-shared with the Qu'Appelle Valley and the Regina Public and Catholic school divisions.

These projects are part of the provincial government's investment of $3.3 million to improve the learning environment in 41 Saskatchewan schools. With these projects, the total commitment by government to K-12 capital projects this fiscal year is $22 million.

In addition, Saskatchewan Learning has previously committed to contributing approximately $1.8 million for the final phase of a foundation repair project for Campbell Collegiate, $80,000 for an accessibility project for Miller Comprehensive High School, $760,000 for heating and ventilation system upgrades for Indian Head High School, $350,000 to renovate Leboldus High School to better accommodate the performing arts and $197,000 to upgrade the air handling system for Holy Rosary School.

"Schools today are more important than ever as vital centres of our communities," Thomson said. "We need to continue to upgrade learning facilities so they can serve Saskatchewan communities well."

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For More Information, Contact:

Nelson Wagner Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-6040