Deer Lake School Slated for Over $1.1 Million in Upgrades

As part of the Provincial Government's ongoing investment in upgrades to K-12 infrastructure, Brook Construction Inc. of Corner Brook has been awarded a tender, valued at over $1.1 million, to complete electrical upgrades and other renovations at Xavier Junior High in Deer Lake.

“This project includes the continued upgrading and replacement of electrical systems, the installation of a new sprinkler system, and other mechanical upgrades, structural renovations and repairs,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. “Our government has placed major emphasis on upgrading existing school buildings to ensure they continue to be safe, comfortable learning environments which will serve the needs of students and staff for many years to come.”

This brings the total invested in Xavier Junior High to more than $3.1 million since 2004, including funding for earlier electrical upgrades and roofing.

In recent years, 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. A total of more than 1,500 infrastructure projects have been approved over that same period of time, including roofing, windows, ventilation, electrical projects and more.

“I am very pleased with the announced funding for Xavier Junior High that will provide significant improvements to this school,” said Humber Valley MHA Darryl Kelly. “This money clearly demonstrates our government’s continued commitment to improving the educational infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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. Over the past eight years, more than $504 million has been allocated for K-12 school infrastructure.

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2011 07 25                                                                                    9:50 a.m.