More than $50 million announced to rebuild Fiona-damaged Evangeline school
CBC
The federal and provincial governments are giving the Evangeline Education Centre in Abrams Village, P.E.I., more than $50 million to rebuild after the structure suffered major damage in post-tropical storm Fiona.
Dozens of community members packed La Trappe restaurant in Wellington on Monday to hear the news.
Egmont MP Bobby Morrissey announced Ottawa's contribution of $12.9 million over five years toward the rebuilding and modernization of the French-language school.
For its part, the P.E.I. provincial government will provide more than $40 million to the project. Education and Early Years Minister Natalie Jameson was also present at the announcement.
The Evangeline Education Centre houses primary and secondary classes, and serves more than 200 students a year.
Jeanne Gallant was a teacher, vice-principal and then principal at Evangeline School. For years she's been involved in the push to get a new school built.
Gallant said she had goosebumps when she heard the politicians confirming the investment Monday.
"All these years that we're trying to, you know, trying to convince people. People were convinced, but it seemed that the money wasn't just there," she said.
"We were always pushed aside. So yes, it's time that we have our new school, our new cultural centre, because we have a vibrant community here and we need to continue that. We cannot let that go."
The funding will also help establish a new centre of excellence in arts and culture, create French cultural products in the region, and expand the early years centre to increase available spaces.
Evangeline was already undergoing renovation and expansion when Fiona hit last September.
After the storm, it became apparent the school needed a complete reconstruction, with students from kindergarten to Grade 12 sharing one section due to severe damage on the building's western side.
Lexie Arsenault, a student entering Grade 9 in the fall, says the hallways at school have been much more crowded since Fiona.
What's she most excited about in the new school? More bathrooms.
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