Construction has begun on the YMCA’s new childcare centre on Queensway next to the Park House Condominiums.
The new facility will offer 85 new childcare spaces including 12 infant/toddler spaces, 25 group childcare spaces for children ages 30 months to school age, and 48 school-age spaces.
The YMCA Park House Care and Early Learning Centre is scheduled to open late this year.
YMCA of Northern BC CEO, Amanda Alexander says this new space will help ease the demand for childcare spaces in downtown Prince George.
“There is a tremendous demand for child care in the downtown core and given the increased need to support, in particular, women and vulnerable parents being able to return to work given the impacts of the pandemic, the YMCA Parkhouse Care and Early Learning Centre will help meet this need,” Alexander explained.
The project was announced last September after the City applied for a $3 million grant from the Province’s Childcare BC New Spaces Fund.
Additionally, $1 Million in funding has been provided through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Child Care Space Creation Program.
It is being built at a fixed price by A&T Project Development, the City has also contracted Colliers Project Leaders to help ensure timelines are met and the costs stay within budget.
“The YMCA is thrilled to be able to support Prince George parents and caregivers to have access to quality, affordable, early learning and child care in downtown Prince George,” added Alexander.