Three schools in the Sea to Sky District will receive $10,000 each to create "dynamic community space," as part of a province-wide, $1.35 million project to create neighbourhood learning centres.
Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, said the goal was to create educational opportunities for the communities of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.
"We have very active communities and it makes great sense to have expanded use of our school facilities, essentially opening up more opportunities and programs for everyone in the community," McIntyre said in a press release. "We are coming together in a partnership to ensure underutilized space in schools is put to the best possible public use."
Myrtle Philip Elementary School and Squamish Elementary School will each receive $10,000 to renovate existing space to create literacy rooms for community learning. Signal Hill Community School will renovate its gymnasium to enhance community use.
The province awarded $1.35 million to 48 school districts for approved projects like neighbourhood learning centres, and is accepting applications for another $1.5 million in funding.
The goal is to incorporate neighbourhood learning centres in all schools where there is space and there are renovations underway. So far space has been created in 17 schools across the province at a cost of $50 million.
Some examples of how these centres are used include childcare space, parenting programs, literacy programs, Strong Start early learning centres, and rental space for other non-profit community programs.
