May 3, 2011

Bayview Electrical of St. John’s has been awarded a tender, valued at over $170,500, to undertake electrical upgrades at Topsail Elementary in Conception Bay South, as part of the Newfoundland and Labrador government’s series of investments in upgrading K-12 school infrastructure.

This is just one of 132 electrical projects, totaling more than $21 million, approved for existing K-12 schools since 2004, said Joan Burke, minister of Education.

“It is important to systematically update electrical systems in our schools to ensure they can continue to meet the needs of new and emerging technologies, while remaining safe and comfortable learning environments,” she said. “These investments extend the life of existing school facilities, enabling them to continue to meet the needs of students, both today and well into the future.”

Funding for this project is part of $113 million allocated this year for K-12 infrastructure throughout the province for electrical system upgrades, as well as new schools, roofing projects, window and siding replacements, enhanced accessibility, and renovated skilled trades suites.

The provincial government has said that over the past seven years, almost $465 million has been approved for new school construction, repairs and maintenance throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.