Surrey can’t build schools fast enough to keep up with demand. So now the city is floating the idea of using a public-private partnership model to help speed up the process.
The city says it needs space for nearly 3,000 students and is recommending the province consider so-called P3s, which would see private companies design, build, and even operate the schools for a short time.
“Really what we’re looking for is a way to leverage quickly the construction of new schools in Surrey where they are needed,” Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner said.
READ MORE: Frustrated Surrey parents protest school overcrowding
Other provinces have tried using corporate cash to build schools. Alberta gave up after long delays and a lack of bidders. In Nova Scotia, one P3 school ran $50 million over budget.
“Proponents of P3s argue that they transfer the risks of cost overruns to private financiers. But in reality when things go sideways it’s ultimately the government and the taxpayer who are left holding the bag at the end of the day,” Alex Hemingway of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said.
B.C. Education Minister Mike Bernier said Surrey needs a solution to its classroom crunch and the province won’t rule out the public-private partnership model.
– With files from Tanya Beja
- ‘Really happy’: Video captures B.C. orca calf eating first meal in 27 days
- In Oregon, debate continues after state’s 180 on drug decriminalization
- RCMP disputes claim of agreement over Surrey transition in leaked letter to solicitor general
- Family hopes B.C. teen’s devastating crash spurs motorcycle safety
Comments