Immaculate Conception earns ugliest schoolyard title

Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School in Val Caron is the 2014 winner of the Ugliest Schoolyard Contest, presented annually by VETAC, Greater Sudbury's Regreening Advisory Panel.

The winning school receives a major cash donation from Sudbury INO, a Glencore company, the contest's major corporate sponsor. In addition, the winning school receives supplies from several local businesses and expert advice to transform its schoolyard into a greener and healthier outdoor environment.

“We congratulate Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School and we thank all schools for participating in this year's contest," said VETAC member Wayne Hugli, who spearheaded the contest in Greater Sudbury. “Our goal as a committee is to beautify the entire community, but we have a special dedication to our local schoolyards. Children should be free to play in a natural outdoor space. If your school was not chosen this year, I encourage you to apply again in the future.”

With the support of Sudbury INO, a Glencore Company, VETAC also awards runner-up prizes each year, which provide financial assistance to create schoolyard green spaces. This year's runner-up prize goes to Levack Public School.

Since 2005, the Ugliest Schoolyard Contest and its sponsors have helped 34 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.