Feds commit $3M to school upgrades in Big Grassy River First Nation
The federal government has pledged nearly $3 million to expand and upgrade an elementary school in Big Grassy River First Nation.
Thunder Bay—Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski announced the funding on September 6. The project scope of work calls for refitting the Pegamigaabo School building with solar panels, high-efficiency windows and power-assisted doors.
“Investing in green upgrades to public infrastructure makes sense for our environment, our communities, and our economy,” Powlowski said. “The upgrades and expansion to the Pegamigaabo School will reduce operational costs and GHG emissions while also increasing space and resources available for youth programs and Ojibway language instruction.”
Installing a 135-kilovolt rooftop solar system on the school will lower its operating costs and allow it to continue operations during a grid disruption. These improvements will reduce the facility's energy consumption by just shy of 60 percent, and greenhouse gas emissions by 18.4 tonnes annually.
Big Grassy River First Nation will also expand the school with an extra 200 square metres of space that will include a new pre-kindergarten classroom and an Ojibway language classroom.
The funding will help the community realize significant cost savings that can be reapplied towards other improvements at the school and to expand the programs it offers. In addition, the expansion will provide more space to supporting youth and help preserve the Anishinaabemowin culture.
“Big Grassy River First Nation is extremely excited to be selected as one of the recipients of the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program for the Retrofit and Expansion project,” said Chief Lynn Indian. “This project will allow our children of the community access to safe, reliable, and healthy learnings environments which will provide an important foundation to life learning.”