Roofing Projects Scheduled for Labrador Straits Schools

Two schools along the Labrador Straits, St. Mary’s All-Grade in Mary’s Harbour and St. Lewis Academy, will soon see roofing upgrades following the recent award of a tender, valued at $225,000, to Island Roofing Co. Ltd. of Cox’s Cove.

“With this tender awarded, more than $800,000 has been approved for interior and exterior upgrades at St. Mary’s All-Grade and St. Lewis Academy in recent years,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “Our government has taken a systematic approach to investing in school infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to help protect existing school facilities, and to ensure students and staff continue to enjoy safe, comfortable learning environments.”

Work is expected to be completed over the summer months.

More than $60 million has been approved for school infrastructure in Labrador in the past 10 years, including the completion of three new schools – École Boréale in Happy Valley-Goose Bay; Labrador Straits Academy in L’anse au Loup; Bayside Academy in Port Hope Simpson, 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.

“Our government has continued to make the needs of Labradorians a priority and we are continuing to invest strategically in priority areas like the education of our children,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “Investments in educational infrastructure, such as these roofing upgrades, lead to a better environment for teaching and learning and will benefit students and staff at both St. Mary’s All-Grade and St. Lewis Academy.”

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, electrical upgrades and more.

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2013 05 28             10:45 a.m.