Manitoba investing $54M in school upgrades

Schools across Manitoba will get a $53.7 million infrastructure boost from the provincial government.

The money includes $14.3 million for roof replacements, $15.6 million for mechanical systems, $15.7 million for structural upgrades, and $10.1 million for accessibility improvements.

Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton made the announcement Friday at a news conference at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Winnipeg, which is getting a 17,000-square-foot roof replacement as part of the funding.

"For decades, students under this roof have been receiving a quality education," said Julie Fisher, board chair for the Pembina Trails School Division in Winnipeg.

"The funds announced today will mean more than a roof renewal. This investment in infrastructure is a critical way to provide for our both current and future student population."

The money will go towards 110 projects inschool divisions across the province. The projects will be completed within six to 24 months of the awarding of tenders and the start of construction, the province said in a news release.

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