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These Coquitlam area schools saw $7M in upgrades over the summer

Did your school get painted, new LED lights, plumbing or an HVAC upgrade this summer? Here's the list of summer projects, according to the latest School District 43 report.
Mountain Meadows elementary Port Moody
Schools are back in session and some in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody are getting new paint, HVAC systems and plumbing.

The opening of a new Education Learning Centre, a $135-million Burke Mountain middle/high school announcement and a ceremony for new welcome poles were not the only changes of note to school facilities this summer.

More than a dozen School District 43 (SD43) schools also received less exciting but equally important work over the summer, thanks to $7 million in provincial grants.

Here's the work that took place:

  • Re-roofing work at Port Moody Secondary and Walton Elementary = $1.3 million
  • Mechanical HVAC system projects ranged from major phased and stand-alone projects at Hampton Park Elementary, Aspenwood Elementary, Mary Hill Elementary, Hillcrest Middle and Heritage Woods Secondary. They included unit ventilators, boiler and air handler replacements, installation of a gas absorption heat pump, mechanical upgrades = $2.9 million
  • Plumbing system upgrades, including water bottle filling stations, hot water systems, and pipe and fixture replacements = $80,000
  • Site and facility upgrades, including room conversions to create extra classrooms and pull-out spaces at Charles Best Secondary, Pinetree Secondary and Montgomery Middle = $427,000
  • Flooring replacements and gym floor refinishing at various sites = $235,000
  • Drainage improvements at Cedar Drive Elementary and Lord Baden Powell Elementary = $75,000
  • Exterior painting at Heritage Mountain Elementary, James Park Elementary, Coquitlam River Elementary, Kwayhquitlum Middle and Riverside Secondary = $450,000
  • LED lighting upgrades at Port Moody Secondary, Kwayhquitlum Middle, Baker Drive Elementary, Hampton Park Elementary and Aspenwood Elementary = $276,000
  • Fire safety and security projects, including fire panels, security cameras, PA system and key scan = $466,000
  • Upcoming Phase 1 of the Rochester Building Envelope Project = $750,000
  • Reserves, contributions and miscellaneous contracts (not categorized above) = $126,160

Child care in schools

School District 43 trustees will be holding their last public meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 20) in advance of the Oct. 15 civic election.

Board members will discuss a number of agenda items, including updated education plans for the year, a revision to the terms of reference for its finance and audit committee, and approval audited financial statements.

Trustees are also expected to request $175,000 in federal funding to support school childcare plans.

The money will be used for staff to support the SD43 childcare strategy, including focusing on expanding the external childcare operators to elementary school sites that are in need of additional early learning and childcare services.

Trustees will also hear international and summer school reports and news of school-related programs and accomplishments over the summer.

You can view the agenda here and follow the meeting, which will be live-streamed via Zoom.

Following the Oct. 15 civic election, the inaugural board meeting will be Nov. 9.