Families in the Kootenays will have access to almost 150 new licensed child care spaces as part of the ongoing efforts by the Trust and the Province to increase access to child care in the Columbia Basin.
The Trust provided funding for all four projects to help create more child care spaces for families in the Kootenays.
“Knowing how critical the child care situation is for so many, these new spaces will make a real difference in helping more families access quality, licensed child care,” said Johnny Strilaeff, president and chief executive officer, Columbia Basin Trust. “Kudos to the organizations spearheading these projects who have already done considerable work. We’re pleased to provide $219,000 in funding as well as advice and other support as needed.”
“This is great news for families across the Kootenays, especially for those in Nakusp, who will see nearly 100 new child care spaces,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister Responsible for Columbia Basin Trust and MLA for Kootenay West. “Safe, accessible and affordable early childhood education creates so many opportunities for parents, children and educators alike. Both Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson and I are excited to see the communities we represent really taking advantage of this programming so we can all build back better.”
Families will be able to access new licensed spaces in the following communities:
- Castlegar (20 spaces)
- Nakusp (96 spaces)
- Nelson (eight spaces)
- Winlaw (20 spaces)
“The new Nakusp Child Care Centre hub will help address what has been described as a ‘child care desert’ in our community,” said Terry Taylor, superintendent, School District 10. “The hub will give kids the start they deserve, while also creating opportunities for young people in our community to gain experience as early childhood educators. Parents and families are excited about the new opportunities for high-quality licensed child care that the Nakusp Child Care Centre hub will bring.”
Learn more about the Trust’s work in Child Care.
Read the full release here.
