(North Cowichan, BC) – North Cowichan has been successful in acquiring an $18,047,176 grant provided by the federal and provincial governments through the Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund to support a new 158-space child care facility. The new facility will replace the one currently operated by Parkside Academy Society at the former Somenos school site on Sprott Road and will be constructed on adjacent property.
“We are excited to break ground on this much needed new child care facility in North Cowichan,” said Mayor Rob Douglas. “With the current shortage of accessible, affordable and quality child care spaces in the Cowichan region, this new funding will be welcome news to many working families in our community.”
“Child care is not only life changing for families, but it is also good for communities as a whole,” said Grace Lore, Minister of State for Child Care. “For a growing region like North Cowichan, this new child care centre will ensure parents and early childhood educators can pursue opportunities, which helps strengthen the local economy – and benefit the community for years to come.”
“We know that there is a shortage of child care spaces right across the country, and provinces and territories need to work diligently to create new spaces in their communities,” said Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Canada. “This new child care facility in the Municipality of North Cowichan will provide high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive child care spaces for families in the community. The Government of Canada is proud to support projects such as this one, and will continue working with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system that will benefit all children and families.”
Site preparation work is currently underway. Construction will begin in early 2024 and the centre is expected to be open by fall 2025.