Representatives from School District 73 and Thompson Rivers University toured Barriere’s Sustainable Waste Management Plant on Wednesday, Jan. 13, accompanied by Mayor Virginia Smith, Councillor Al Fortin and District CAO Colleen Hannigan.
Area School District trustee Rhonda Kershaw says, “The group toured the facility to become familiar with the innovative practices and design being developed here in Barriere. The tour was incredibly successful and the educational opportunities that the project represents are numerous.”
She noted a goal of the school district will be to ensure that the unique Barriere facility is highly utilized by students in the future; for teaching sustainable practices and highlighting water reclamation rather than the usual methods of waste disposal.
“With the new B.C. curriculum changing to include more flexibility and real world project based study, this facility will provide educational experiences for students of all ages unavailable anywhere else in the province, and in fact in most of the world,” said Kershaw.
She also commented that next steps on the educational side are to be discussed over the next few weeks, but in the short term will include brief lectures in high school science classes discussing what is happening and some of the more innovative practices.
“Our team is excited about the possibilities for learning at both the elementary and secondary levels. It is heartening to see how Barriere is leading the way in sustainable waste management,” commented Alison Sidow, Assistant Superintendent SD73, “I look forward to talking further about next steps.