Electrical Upgrades Planned for St. Mary’s Elementary

St. Mary’s Elementary in St. John’s will soon see close to $206,000 in electrical upgrades as part of the Provincial Government’s ongoing investment in K-12 infrastructure throughout the province. H.J. Bartlett Electric Inc. of Mount Pearl has been awarded the tender to complete the work.

“While school may be out for students, the work to improve school infrastructure continues with projects ongoing throughout the province this summer,” said the Honourable Joan Burke Minister of Education. “Upgrades to electrical systems extend the life of existing school buildings, and ensure they remain safe and comfortable environments for students and teachers alike.”

The work at St. Mary’s includes the upgrading and replacement of all existing wiring, panel boards, receptacles and switches, and the addition of new wiring to accommodate interactive whiteboards. New emergency lighting, exit signs, fire alarm devices and lighting fixtures will also be installed.

“The safety and well-being of our students and school staff are of utmost importance to this government,” said St. John’s South MHA Tom Osborne. “These upgrades are necessary in ensuring that St. Mary’s Elementary is properly maintained and that it is able to continue to operate as a safe learning and working environment for years to come.”

In recent years, about $482,000 has been invested in repairs and upgrades at St. Mary’s Elementary, including a roof replacement.

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, provides $94.5 million for new and ongoing K-12 infrastructure projects, including $34.3 million for repairs and maintenance.

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has allocated more than $504 million for school infrastructure, a level of investment which is unprecedented in this province’s history. Seven new schools have opened, seven more are in various stages of construction, nine major extension and renovation projects have been completed, and nine more are underway or in the planning stages.

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2011 07 06             9:35 a.m.