The province says more than 600 new licensed childcare spaces are on the way — including 184 in three communities on Vancouver Island.
Childcare centres will be opening in Langford and Metchosin and construction of a purpose-built facility will begin on Homalco First Nation land in Campbell River.
The new spaces are funded by the provincial and federal governments. More than $74 million was provided to First Nations, local governments and school districts to create the spaces.
The goal is to get more kids off wait lists as part of the provincial government’s fee-reduction program, which aims to reduce childcare fees to an average of $10 a day.
The Metchosin childcare centre will be operated at Hans Helgesen Elementary School and will have 56 spaces, including 12 for infants and toddlers, 20 for 30-month-olds to kindergarten-age kids and 24 for school-age care.
The Langford daycare centre will have 49 spaces — 24 for infants and toddlers and 25 for 30-month-olds to kindergarten-age kids.
“The first five years are the most crucial in a child’s life,” Amanda Dowhy, chair of the Sooke School Board, said in a statement. “These new spaces will offer children a place to thrive and grow, preparing them to become future learners in our schools.”
Meanwhile, families and children living in Homalco First Nation and the Campbell River area will soon have access to 79 new childcare spaces, as construction of a child care centre gets underway.
The province has partnered with Homalco First Nation to build the facility, which will include 24 spaces for infants toddlers, 25 for children 30 months to kindergarten age, and 30 spaces for school-age children.
It’s expected to be completed next year.
Homalco First Nation said programming and staffing for the centre will align with the nation’s culture and language.
Chief Darren Blaney said the new facility will also create employment opportunities for the community and help diversify the economy. “This is the path of reconciliation, where we can provide care and cultural teachings within the child care, such as our Ayajuthem language and traditional stories.”
The $9.5-million project is jointly supported by the provincial and federal governments.
Programming will include collaboration with the Aboriginal Supported Child Development Program, including various community programs.
“Our children are our future, and it is important that we have child care in our community for the success of our children, as well as their parents,” said Shaylene Harry, health director for Homalco First Nation.
The other new childcare centres will be located in Esk’etemc First Nation, G̱aw Tlagée, Kelowna, Peachland, Pemberton and West Vancouver.
“These new spots will make a significant difference for families, providing them with the flexibility and support they need, while ensuring children have the best possible start in life,” Jenna Sudds, federal minister of Families, Children and Social Development, said in a statement.
