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Leaky school could tap into ‘fix-it-fund’ for roof repair

Saanich school district may be eligible for money from a $40-million “fix-it fund” to replace the leaking roof at Bayside Middle School, said Education Minister Mike Bernier.
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Education Minister Mike Bernier says school districts have until April 15 to apply to the 'fix-it' fund for money to repair or upgrade facilities.

Saanich school district may be eligible for money from a $40-million “fix-it fund” to replace the leaking roof at Bayside Middle School, said Education Minister Mike Bernier.

Bernier said Monday school districts across the province have until April 15 to apply to the fund for money to repair or upgrade facilities.

The “school enhancement program” is separate from the annual facility grants. Projects must cost more than $100,000 and be completed largely by March 31, 2017.

Bernier told reporters that he’s still waiting for a final estimate of the cost to replace the Bayside roof, which has been leaking for more than 20 years.

“Whether it comes from this pot or not, one thing we have committed is — 100 per cent — we will be helping them fix that roof,” he said. “So we encourage the school district to apply to this program for that as well.”

The district and the ministry have committed to replacing the roof by next fall.

The district previously estimated the replacement cost at $2.6 million and pledged up to $1 million of its own money, including $700,000 from the sale of McTavish Elementary School and $300,000 in unused money from the annual facility grant.