Two New Westminster school trustees are advocating for air conditioning in the district's 53 school portables, where over 1,000 students are learning in sweltering conditions during an early-season heatwave. The estimated cost for installation is $1.3 million, potentially higher due to tariffs, and they are calling on the B.C. government for dedicated funding.
‘It’s very sweaty’: Trustees say New Westminster’s sweltering portables need AC
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Two New Westminster school trustees are advocating for air conditioning in the district's 53 school portables, where over 1,000 students are learning in sweltering conditions during an early-season heatwave. The estimated cost for installation is $1.3 million, potentially higher due to tariffs, and they are calling on the B.C. government for dedicated funding.
- 1 Early-season heatwave affects New Westminster schools.
- 2 Two trustees call for AC in portables.
- 3 B.C. Education Ministry redirects questions to Infrastructure Ministry.
- Students are uncomfortable and find it hard to learn.
- High costs for AC installation.
- Lack of dedicated funding from the provincial government.
What: Two New Westminster school trustees are calling for air conditioning in school portables.
When: During an early-season heatwave. The issue is expected to worsen in the years to come.
Where: New Westminster School District, British Columbia, Canada.
Why: Over 1,000 students are learning in sweltering conditions in 53 portables that lack AC. The cost to install AC is estimated at $1.3 million, potentially higher due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff and trade war. Upgrading the power grid for existing rooftop AC units is also cost-prohibitive.
How: Trustees Kathleen Carlsen and another unnamed trustee are asking the B.C. government for dedicated funding. Students and parents are experiencing the discomfort.