MacKenzie Middle School is getting major upgrades to a 60-year old wing of the building including a roof replacement.

The provincial government is investing $57.5 million into 59 infrastructure renewal projects across the province.

A comprehensive renewal at MacKenzie Middle School will see at least $4 million in upgrades.

Donna Davidson, the superintendent and chief executive officer for Mountain View School Division, says these upgrades are necessary to support MVSD's mission to create learning environments that are inclusive and safe for all students. She says this is done “so they can participate actively in all aspects of school life and reach their full potential.”

 “It’s important to just keep maintaining. It’s an ongoing responsibility of the government and it’s great to see the commitment that’s going into the schools in the Dauphin region,” said MLA Brad Michaleski. “Regular maintenance, these things are significant additions because the accessibility issues haven’t been addressed and now they are.”

It will also see a new mechanical heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system and a foundation upgrade. 

To improve accessibility, a new link will connect the second-storey wing to the main building and two accessible washrooms will be installed. 

“That’s what we want to have, an environment where kids are able to make their way, and everybody, to make their way around the schools and use all the facilities,” said MLA Brad Michaleski.

“Our ongoing investment in school infrastructure will strengthen buildings and improve accessibility so that Manitoba students can receive a quality education for generations to come,” said Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen in a media release.

Davidson notes, “It’s critical that we continue to maintain our infrastructure. We can’t be continually replacing schools if we don’t maintain them.”

Construction is slated to begin this summer.