WCA Welcomes Provincial Investment in Schools

On January 21 the provincial government announced an additional $50 million in capital funding for school upgrades and provided clarity on plans for new school construction. The province has committed to the construction of two new schools to go to tender this spring and the design of four more schools to be completed in 2021-22.

Ron Hambley, Winnipeg Construction Association President, said this announcement of additional capital funding and the release of the capital plan for new schools is good news for the construction industry.

“WCA has been consist in our message during the pandemic that stimulus funding through capital programs is needed for the construction industry and for Manitobans”, said Hambley.

“Rolling out tenders for two schools this spring will be welcomed by the industry.”

Hambley was also happy to see the commitment to get four new schools designed sooner rather than later.

“The commitment to getting four new schools designed relatively quickly is great for the industry. This means as soon as the capital spend is approved we can get shovels in the ground,” said Hambley.

“The Provincial Government is providing the construction industry some clear indications on their capital program for education over the next couple of years. We applaud this approach as it is helpful for the industry to know what projects to expect in the short and medium term.”

WCA and the rest of the construction industry look forward to helping the Provincial Government deliver on its capital commitments.