Manitoba to Dedicate Funding Towards Upgrading Ventilation Systems in Schools
November 25, 2021 | By Logan Caswell
In August 2021, the province issued formal guidelines on ventilation for schools.
The Manitoba government announced a plan to provide $6.8 million in additional funding to improve school ventilation with priority given to schools in regions with higher levels of COVID-19 community transmission.
This funding is in addition to $40 million that has been allocated this school year for divisions and schools to contribute towards COVID-19 related expenditures, including ventilation needs.
“In consultation with public health officials, our government has provided guidance to school divisions about proper ventilation practices and how they should be maintained,” said Education Minister Cliff Cullen. “Given the rising number of cases in some regions, this investment will enable schools to follow-up on changes recommended by experienced professionals as one way to further reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
In August 2021, the province issued formal guidelines on ventilation for schools based on guidelines from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers Reopening Guide for Schools. Schools are required to inspect their systems and seek solutions from qualified heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) experts as needed to ensure all actions taken are safe and protect the health of staff and students.
The dedicated fund will support ventilation improvements across Manitoba, including the purchase of stand-alone filters for classrooms or other projects that do not require construction. Applications will be reviewed by Manitoba Education and Manitoba Central Services, and prioritized based on mechanical need and factors that indicate public health risk.
