| May 12, 2010 Glen Elementary Celebrates Official Opening COQUITLAM - The official opening of the new, green, $14.8-million Glen Elementary was celebrated today by parents, teachers and students, as well as school district and local officials, announced Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Douglas Horne. "Glen Elementary is the newest green school in the Coquitlam school district, and all members of the community can be very proud of this new facility," said Horne. "The many energy-saving features will reduce the school's energy use by over 45 per cent compared to the system in the old school." The school's energy-efficient natural gas heating and cooling - combined with a green-design external structure - will greatly reduce energy use costs for the district. The facility can accommodate 400 grades 1 to 5 students, has two classrooms available for full day kindergarten and was built following sustainable design principles. Fresh air circulation reaches all classrooms in the school and the structure of the new building allows natural light to reach 90 per cent of all commonly occupied spaces. "We are proud of the steps B.C. has taken to lead the way in environmentally-responsible school construction," said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "Building modern, energy efficient and eco-friendly new school facilities is a priority for our government so that our students have the space they need for learning to help them reach their full potential." The design of Glen Elementary focused on energy efficiency, use of low-toxicity and recycled materials, and reducing the environmental impact of the school and its construction on the local community. The new school is also seismically sound and has been constructed to the latest seismic standards. "We are very excited to have opened the new environmentally-friendly Glen Elementary in our community," said Coquitlam board chair Melissa Hyndes. "We appreciate the ministry's commitment to building modern and safe facilities for our students, which will also benefit Coquitlam students in the future." Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $79.4 million in 20 capital and seismic projects in the Coquitlam school district. During that same time, the Province has spent more than $1.7 billion to complete 80 new and replacement schools, 148 additions, 26 renovation projects and 22 site acquisitions throughout B.C. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards. By the end of 2009-10, the Province will have committed more than $3.8 billion in school capital and maintenance projects throughout B.C. As outlined by Premier Campbell, all new school construction projects will include B.C. wood in their construction whenever possible. -30- | |
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