Abbotsford – Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and Rachna Singh, BC Minister of Education and Child Care, announced a joint investment of more than $3.2 million to improve ventilation systems in five elementary and secondary schools in British Columbia.
Two schools in Abbotsford, Rick Hansen Secondary and Terry Fox Elementary, will receive funding to replace heat pumps, a chiller, and a direct digital controls upgrade, which will simplify heating and cooling processes by allowing a single control point for the facilities’ HVAC systems. These upgrades will reduce the buildings’ energy consumption.
Other improvements in schools in Chilliwack, District of 100 Mile House and the Village of Harrison Hot Springs include replacing air handling units that are used in areas where frequent ventilation is needed, as well as rooftop units which will distribute conditioned air within defined areas in the buildings. These improvements will increase outdoor air intake and upgrade system efficiency and sustainability, improving the comfort, health, and safety of school occupants while cutting pollution.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing the country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
“The Government of Canada continues to take action to safeguard the health and safety of all Canadians. The funding announced today will help support initiatives that increase energy efficiency while ensuring that the environment in which students, teachers, and school staff spend the majority of their days is inviting, comfortable, and healthy. We will keep investing in projects like these that build safer, cleaner, and more vibrant communities.” – Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities