The province is funding more than 180 new licensed child care spaces in and around Prince George, over 75 of which are expected to open by September 2021.
The Province is supporting six projects that will create 182 new licensed child care spaces in Prince George. In addition, two other projects have received funding in Prince George since the launch of Childcare BC in July 2018.
New child care spaces are on the way for families at the following locations:
Aboriginal Housing Society Family Care Centre
The Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George is building a new child care facility connected to affordable housing units that service the urban Indigenous community. Slated for opening in spring 2022, the facility will provide a total of 40 new licensed child care spaces, including 12 infant/toddler spaces, 16 school-age spaces and 12 after-school spaces. The housing units will offer on-site access to educational, recreational and spiritual spaces, along with health and wellness services.
Carrier Sekani Family Services Daycare
Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS), in partnership with the City of Prince George, is building a daycare with 38 new, licensed child care spaces including 16 infant/toddler spaces and 22 spaces for children aged three years to kindergarten. The facility is expected to open this summer and will have wheelchair ramps, accessible playground equipment and bathrooms, as well as provide transportation for families who require accessibility support. Programming will honour the heritage and traditions of Carrier and Sekani language and culture, with a priority given to children and families from the 11 member Nations, those who are new to Canada, and children and families of CSFS staff.
Lheidli T’enneh Childcare Centre (Prince George)
The Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and Exploration Place are partnering to open a new facility that will create 75 new child care spaces, including 24 for infants and toddlers, 25 for children aged three years to kindergarten, and 26 for school-aged children. Programming will be based on the Lheidli T’enneh calendar and will emphasize language and culture through programming, including Elder involvement, storytelling, song and dance, blessings and prayers, and land-based learning. The facility is expected to be completed by March 2022.
Malaspina Childcare with YMCA
School District No. 57 (Prince George) will create the equivalent of nine new licensed school-age spaces by offering 18 after-school child care spaces at Malaspina Elementary school. The funding will support minor renovations at an existing child care facility and the spaces will be available for the start of the new school year in September 2021. Before-school care may be added in the future.
Nukko Lake Childcare
School District No. 57 (Prince George) will create the equivalent of 10 new licensed school-age spaces by offering 20 part-time after-school child care spaces at Nukko Lake Elementary school. The funding will be used to support minor renovations at an existing child care facility and the spaces will be available for the start of the new school year in September 2021. Before-school care may be added in the future.
Quinson Childcare with Big Brothers Big Sisters
School District No. 57 (Prince George) will create the equivalent of 10 new licensed school-age spaces by offering 20 part-time after-school child care spaces at Quinson Elementary school. The funding will be used to support minor renovations at an existing child care facility and the spaces will be available for the start of the new school year in September 2021. Before-school care may be added in the future.
“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. “Collaboration with the Native Friendship Centre to deliver services will help families to realize their goals in the workplace and further their education as they know their children will be enveloped in a warm, nurturing environment.”