The province of BC says Nanaimo families will get to benefit from a new childcare centre for early learning and care opportunities.
In a partnership with Nanaimo Innovation Academy, the province says they intend to build 16 additional childcare spaces at the existing centre with $500,000 in funding coming from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.
Executive director Keely Freeman says there is an urgent need for childcare and with more spaces in Nanaimo opening the quality of care can improve dramatically.
“The space is intentionally designed to spark creativity and imagination in our children,” she says. “It will provide a safe and caring environment and connect children to their community and nature.”
MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan Doug Routley says the investment in childcare is a step towards allowing families to pursue their opportunities.
“Improving access to childcare spaces gives kids the best possible start and supports parents to plan a brighter future for their families,” he says.
The province says since 2018, 34,000 licensed childcare spaces have been funded, with more than 1,300 in Nanaimo and the surrounding area.
They add more than $260 million has been invested from the province and the federal government last year to fund and maintain childcare spaces.