Prince George parents are set to benefit from more child care options.
The BC Government announced an additional 180 new licensed child care spaces, 75 of which are expected to open by September.
“As we enter the fourth year of our 10-year Childcare BC plan, thousands of families are already feeling the life-changing impact of having affordable, quality and inclusive child care,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care.
“As we continue to build toward an inclusive universal child care system, these new spaces will make it easier for parents, especially mothers, to pursue their own goals, while also being part of B.C.’s economic recovery.”
The Province is supporting six projects that will create 182 new licensed child care spaces in the northern capital.
New child care spaces are on the way for families at the following locations:
* Aboriginal Housing Society Family Care Centre (40 spaces)
* Carrier Sekani Family Services Daycare (38 spaces)
* Lheidli T’enneh Childcare Centre (75 spaces)
* School District No. 57 (29 spaces):
* Malaspina Childcare with YMCA (nine spaces)
* Nukko Lake Childcare (10 spaces)
* Quinson Childcare with Big Brothers Big Sisters (10 spaces)
“We are excited to be collaborating with the Ministry of Children and Family Development to create this child care centre. Not only is it centred in a one-of-a-kind urban Indigenous community in the heart of Prince George, but it will help shape the lives of children for many years to come,” said Kim Hamilton, acting executive director, Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George.
In addition, construction began last month on a new YMCA-operated facility located on Queensway, next to the Park House Condominiums.
That facility is expected to open later this year and will provide 85 new spaces.
Last September, the federal government provided 83-million dollars to ensure sufficient child care spaces are available in BC
Since July of 2018, almost 26,000 new licensed child care spaces have been funded in BC, including 566 in Prince George.
As a result of these investments, parents in Prince George have saved over 14-million dollars.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
