$14.8 MILLION TO BUILD GREENER GLEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

COQUITLAM – The Province has approved $14.8 million to replace Glen elementary school with a new school that will be greener and safer for students and staff, Port Moody-Westwood MLA Iain Black announced today.

Glen elementary’s design will focus on energy efficiency, use of low-toxicity and recycled materials in the design, and reducing the environmental impact of the school and its construction on the local community. The new school will also be earthquake safe.

“The Coquitlam school district has taken the green message and is making it a reality,” said Black. “With Heritage Woods secondary and now Glen elementary, its commitment to environmentally friendly school design means students can see a greener future start here and now.”

The new school has been designed according to sustainable design principles promoted by the Canada Green Building Council, supporting the Province’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020. Environmental features of the school include:

Fresh air circulation through all the classrooms;
Energy efficient natural gas heating and cooling that, combined with a green-design external structure, reduces the school’s energy use by over 45 per cent from traditional systems.
Site design that prevents undue erosion and reduces construction run-off.
Natural lighting has been introduced to 90 per cent of all commonly occupied spaces and 75 per cent of all spaces like hallways.

“This new school will provide a safe, environmentally friendly place for students to prepare for their futures and receive a high quality education,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond.

Construction on the new school is expected to begin late this year. The new school will have room for 80 kindergarten and 400 students from grades 1 through 5 and will be built adjacent to the existing school. Students will continue to use the current school while the new facility is built. Once the new school is completed, the old school will be demolished, providing redeveloped play and open space.

“I know that the entire Glen school community will be very pleased with the announcement of a new facility,” said Melissa Hyndes, chair of the Coquitlam school board. “With its innovative and energy-conscious design, this will provide a great learning and working environment.”

Since 2001, the Province has invested $46.5 million in the Coquitlam school district to complete eight capital projects, including six additions, one replacement, and the construction of Heritage Woods secondary in 2004.

During the same period, the Province spent over $1 billion to complete 26 new schools, 32 replacements, 140 additions and 22 renovations projects across British Columbia. By the end of 2008-09, the Province will have invested more than $2.8 billion in school capital and maintenance projects.

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Media contact:	Greg Dickson Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 387-6940 250 882-1559 (cell)

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