BC Gov't: 640 New Childcare Spaces on School Grounds

Photo by Lisa Anna

On August 29th, the British Columbia provincial government announced the opening of 640 new child care spaces on school grounds in 12 communities throughout the province, “expanding access to high-quality child care for young children, as well as before- and after-school care”.

The New Spaces Fund, jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, has provided over $23.5 million to school districts to create the new child care spaces. Eighteen new centres on school grounds have opened for the 2025 return to school or have recently opened, including spaces operated by school district staff. The announcement notes, “Partnering with school districts is one way the Province is working to create new child care spaces that meet the unique need of busy families in urban and rural communities, with one pickup and dropoff location.”

The announcement states that the new facilities will enable families to “benefit from affordable child care fees, through the Province’s fee-reduction program, which reduces the cost of child care by as much as $900 per child per month. Families that need additional support with the cost of child care may also be eligible for the Affordable Child Care Benefit”.

Rohini Arora, B.C.’s parliamentary secretary for child care –

“For many families, the start of the school year brings a mix of excitement and stress, especially when it comes to finding child care. These new child care spaces, built in partnership with school districts, offer care that is close to home, safe and part of the school community. It means that moms, single parents and working parents can breathe a little easier and children can feel supported every step of the way.”

Adriana Arango, parent of a child attending Ta’Talu Child Care Centre –

“As a parent, I can’t stress enough how important having access to child care on school grounds is to our community. This will allow busy, working parents in Surrey to save time with only one dropoff location, while also knowing our children are in a safe, nurturing place. This isn’t good only for parents but for our whole school community, as children will become more familiar with their local school even before they start kindergarten.” 

Learn More:

  • For more information about ChildCareBC, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare

  • More information about the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund is available online: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare/newspacesfund

  • For information about how to connect to services and help save money, visit the B.C. Benefits Connector: https://gov.bc.ca/BCBenefitsConnector

  • For more information about Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/child-care.htm

The following provides more information on the 640 child care spaces on school grounds opening throughout B.C.

  • Castlegar –
    Kootenay-Columbia School District (SD20)
    Castlegar Primary After School Care; 12 spaces

  • Elkford –
    South Kootenay School District (SD5)
    Rocky Mountain Elementary; 12 spaces

  • Kelowna –
    Central Okanagan School District (SD23)
    Hudson Road Elementary; 92 spaces

  • Masset –
    Haida Gwaii School District (SD50)
    G̱aw Tlagée Child Care Centre; 24 spaces

  • Nanaimo –
    Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District (SD68)
    Georgia Avenue Elementary Learning and Child Care Centre; 52 spaces

  • Port Alberni –
    Pacific Rim School District (SD70)
    Magnolia School Age Care; 22 spaces

  • Smithers –
    Bulkley Valley School District (SD54)
    Muheim Memorial Elementary; 48 spaces

  • Surrey –
    Surrey School District (SD36)
    A.J. McLellan; 24 spaces
    Alexandra Neighbourhood House Children's Centre at Pacific Heights; 26 spaces
    Chimney Hill; 24 spaces
    Ocean Cliff; 24 spaces
    South Meridian Child Care Centre; 24 spaces
    Ta’Talu Child Care Centre; 40 spaces

  • Tofino –
    Pacific Rim School District (SD70)
    ?u?aa(t)uk ^Ta^na -Taking Care of Children; 76 spaces

  • Ucluelet –
    Pacific Rim School District (SD70)
    The Children’s Grove; 44 spaces

  • Victoria –
    Greater Victoria School District (SD61)
    Kids Klub Centre McKenzie school; 40 spaces
    Victoria High Secondary school; 36 spaces

  • Williams Lake –
    Cariboo-Chilcotin School District (SD27)
    Chilcotin Road Elementary school; 20 spaces

Government, FundingJessica Campbell