BC NDP MLAs say funding for outdoor learning space will expand cultural education and environmental learning opportunities for people in North Vancouver
NORTH SHORE – BC NDP MLAs Susie Chant and Bowinn Ma say capital project grants for local non-profit organizations will support the association des parents d’élèves d’École André-Piolat’s work to create a Reconciliation Garden and outdoor learning space for people in North Vancouver.
“As the only public francophone school in the North Shore, École André-Piolat is working hard to give 400 students a well-rounded and nature-forward education,” says Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver – Seymour. “It’s great to see the parents association leading the work to build a Reconciliation Garden and outdoor teaching space that will offer students and community members a living classroom to engage with Indigenous culture, ecology and stewardship.”
The association des parents d’élèves d’École André-Piolat is receiving $186,000 to create an outdoor teaching space, which aims to transform the heart of the school grounds by converting one third of the gravel field into an ecologically rich, vibrant, and inclusive outdoor environment.
“I’m glad to see the Reconciliation Garden was co-designed with guidance from Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh knowledge keepers, and I think it’s so important to encourage more imaginative play and environmental learning in schools,” says Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver – Lonsdale. “The association des parents d’élèves d’École André-Piolat’s dedication to supporting students and celebrating our province’s linguistic and cultural diversity makes them such an essential part of our community.”
Across B.C., 39 non-profit organizations are receiving a total of $5.1 million for capital projects through the Community Gaming Grants program.
In total, more that $138 million will be distributed through all streams of the Community Gaming Grant program for the 2025/26, helping to ensure funding reaches organizations that build connected, inclusive and resilient communities.