Labrador School to Receive Flooring Upgrade

A tender valued at more than $265,000 has been awarded to replace the gymnasium floor and undertake further flooring repairs at Peacock Primary school in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

“With this tender awarded, more than $1.4 million has been approved for improvements to Peacock Primary in recent years, including new roofing, windows, siding and other upgrades,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “The Provincial Government continues to invest in the upkeep and improvement of existing schools to ensure they remain safe and comfortable environments in which to teach and learn.”

The tender was awarded to the Carpet Man Ltd. of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Work is expected to be completed over the summer months.

“Physical activity is an important part of a healthy, happy lifestyle and the replacement of the gymnasium floor at Peacock Primary will help to ensure that students are able to enjoy a quality physical education program at the school,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “Flooring repairs in other areas of the school are also welcomed and speak to our government’s commitment to maintaining quality school infrastructure for the benefit of students and teachers here in Labrador and throughout the province.”

Since 2004, more than $60 million has been approved for school infrastructure in Labrador, including the completion of three new schools – École Boréale in Happy Valley-Goose Bay (opened in January 2010); Labrador Straits Academy in L’anse au Loup (December 2010); Bayside Academy in Port Hope Simpson (September 2011), as well as the ongoing reconstruction of William Gillett Academy in Charlottetown, scheduled to open in September 2014. The funding also includes the Provincial Government’s contribution of $4 million towards the new Sheshatshiu Innu School (September 2009).

“Investments in our youth can only lead to a better community,” said Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville. “I am pleased to see the gymnasium floor for Peacock will be replaced so kids can better enjoy participating in physical activity, as well as see the upgrading of other floors in their school done in a timely fashion. This is a great announcement for Peacock Primary.”

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future provides almost $102 million for new and ongoing school infrastructure projects, including more than $21.4 million for major repairs and maintenance projects. Since 2004, about $620 million has been allocated for school infrastructure throughout the province, including almost $220 million for more than 1,850 repairs and maintenance projects, including roofing, window and siding replacements, flooring, electrical upgrades and more.

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2013 05 23                                       1:30 p.m.