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Pelican Falls First Nations High School has cashed in big on provincial and federal funding.
The school is welcoming nearly $9.9 million to renovate the building, fix the road leading to the site and renovate kitchens and bathrooms in 14 residence buildings.
Some of the work at the school includes HVAC, plumbing and electrical upgrades and the installation of a back-up generator.
The project also involves upgrades to the sewage system and water plant, and the replacement of the windows, and complete interior upgrades.
The project is part of a more than $38.2 million investment in 35 community infrastructure projects in northern Ontario.
The Red Lake-Alternative Secondary School Program is receiving almost $122,000 to renovate the Red Lake Indigenous Friendship Centre, including fixing the roof and installing a commercial kitchen for students and staff.
A chunk of the funds is also being used to install portable classrooms in several remote First Nations including Fort Severn, Eabametoong, Webequie, Marten Falls, Long Lake 58, Neskantaga, Nibinamik, and Aroland.
Canada’s Health Minister Patty Hajdu says the funding is critical.
“Keeping these assets healthy. Keeping the buildings themselves up-to-date. Things like plumbing and electrical system updates, repairs to the roof, interior repairs to drywall, classrooms and lighting.”
Hajdu stresses, “It’s about building up community. Making communities safer, making communities healthier and making communities places where people have what they need to want to stay to raise their families and to have successive generations of people staying in northern Ontario.”
(With files from Vasilios Bellos)
