May 14, 2010
New Eco-Friendly Elementary School Saving Fish in Surrey

SURREY - Hazelgrove Elementary is not only one of Surrey's newest and greenest schools, but it is also helping to protect local fish habitats through the implementation of eco-friendly drainage systems, announced Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon today.

"This new, eco-friendly school will be a place where Surrey's students can build a foundation of green living, learning and responsibility," said Falcon. "The construction of Hazelgrove Elementary helped support 82 jobs for British Columbians."

The energy efficient $12.9-million Hazelgrove Elementary school incorporated eco-friendly drainage systems to control the rate at which surface water enters nearby streams, protecting local fish habitats. The use of native plants and drought-resistant shrubs were also employed to maintain landscapes surrounding school grounds.

"We are committed to building safer, greener school buildings in order to provide the best working and learning environments for students and staff," said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "Schools such as this one, designed to reduce the weight of our collective environmental footprint, move us closer to our goal of leading the world in sustainable environmental management."

The green design of Hazelgrove Elementary focused on energy conservation, the use of renewable materials and increased green space on school grounds. Features include:

• A high-efficiency, low-energy ventilation system.
• Large windows and extensive natural lighting.
• Motion detectors to regulate air supply in the gymnasium.
• Ozone-friendly equipment, paints and materials.
• The replacement of trees removed during construction.

"Hazelgrove Elementary is a beautiful school inside and out," said Surrey board of education chair Laurae McNally. "With the assistance of the Ministry of Education, trustees are proud to provide such a great facility for our students and school community."

While enrolment is declining in many B.C. school districts, population growth in the city of Surrey has meant an enrolment increase of almost 9,000 students in the Surrey school district over the past decade. Nine new schools have been constructed in that time to help the district accommodate this growth in the region.

Since 2001, 42 capital and seismic projects worth nearly $221 million have been completed in the Surrey school district. During the same period, the Province has spent more than $1.5 billion to complete 75 new and replacement schools, 147 additions, 26 renovation projects and 20 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.

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