Sudbury Secondary School is the winner of the 2017 annual Ugliest Schoolyard Contest presented by VETAC, Greater Sudbury's re-greening advisory panel.
Princess Anne Public School takes home the runner-up prize.
“Every year this program teaches our students the importance of green spaces in our community,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “When completed, not only do our children benefit from these beautification projects, we all grow our appreciation and understanding of the natural environment.”
The winning schools and runners-up share a $20,000 cash donation from Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury INO), a Glencore Company, the contest's major corporate sponsor.
In addition, supplies from local businesses will be donated, and expert advice will be provided to transform their schoolyards into greener and healthier outdoor environments.
"We look forward to working with the two winning schools on their playground regreening projects this summer and fall,” said Wayne Hugli, VETAC Member.
“With our support, these schools will transform their outdoor spaces into more environmentally-friendly areas in which students and teachers can enjoy and explore.”
The runner-up prize provides financial assistance to create schoolyard green spaces.
Since 2005, the Ugliest Schoolyard Contest and its sponsors have helped 43 schools create greener and healthier schoolyards. Project planning has begun at this year's winning schools, and the schoolyard transformations will take place this fall.
For more information visit www.greatersudbury.ca/vetac.
