Allyson Beauregard
SHAWVILLE – Pontiac MNA Andre Fortin, on behalf of François Blais, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Research and Minister responsible for Recreation and Sports, announced $115,966 in funding for upgrades to schoolyards in the Pontiac riding, June 18. “Investing in school yards is investing in the living
Allyson Beauregard
SHAWVILLE – Pontiac MNA Andre Fortin, on behalf of François Blais, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Research and Minister responsible for Recreation and Sports, announced $115,966 in funding for upgrades to schoolyards in the Pontiac riding, June 18. “Investing in school yards is investing in the living
environment of our children. Through these investment projects, we can ensure students will benefit from quality infrastructure that promotes physical activity,” said Fortin
during the press conference held in Aylmer.
In total, 134 schoolyard enhancement projects were funded this year across the province through the Schoolground Beautification Initiative, representing an investment of more than $2.4 million; five projects were funded in the Pontiac riding, including Dr. S.E McDowell School in Shawville where their playground
structures will be updated in line with existing standards. “The play structures were
getting quite old so it was time to make investments to bring them up to standards so they are safe. It is just what the
community needed,” explained Fortin. The Ministry provided $23,551 in funding for the $76,000 project. According to Fortin, the remaining funding will come from
the Western Quebec School Board and
various fundraising initiatives.
“By making this investment, the government is trusting that an inviting schoolyard, featuring attractive and safe facilities, will give students as much desire to come to school and succeed as having fun and being active. Given that a physically active lifestyle should be encouraged early, we believe schools have an important role to play in enabling the adoption of this lifestyle,” concluded Minister Blais.
