Families in Invermere and around the Columbia Valley will soon benefit from more affordable, high-quality child care, with 148 new licensed spaces opening on the grounds of Eileen Madson Primary school.
The new Rocky Mountain Childcare Facility will include 24 spaces for infants and toddlers, 100 spaces for children 30 months to school age, and 24 spaces for school-age children.
“When families in Invermere and the Columbia Valley have access to safe, reliable child care close to home, it makes everyday life easier and creates opportunities for parents to work, study and participate in their communities,” said Johnny Strilaeff, President and CEO of Columbia Basin Trust. “Thanks to the collaboration between local organizations, the School District, the Province, and the Trust, projects like this support children, strengthen families and help build resilient communities across the Basin.”
In 2023, Rocky Mountain School District, in partnership with Windermere Valley Child Care Society and with financial support from Columbia Basin Trust, applied to the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. With an investment of nearly $9 million from the Province, the Rocky Mountain Childcare Facility will provide much needed new spaces and opportunities for children while supporting families and benefitting the Columbia Valley.
“This project highlights the power of strong community collaboration,” said Aaron Callaghan, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain School District. “We’re excited about the opportunity this facility brings to the Invermere area, recognizing the importance placed on safe and reliable childcare by families. Our thanks go to Columbia Basin Trust, and to Windermere Valley Child Care Society, whose dedication will make this a trusted space for children and families.”
An open house for the new centre was held on October 27 for community members and project partners.
“This new child care centre in Invermere is a game-changer for families,” said Rohini Arora, B.C. parliamentary secretary for child care. “With these new spaces, more children will have a safe, nurturing place to play and learn, while empowering their parents to focus on their own professional and personal-development goals. We know that every dollar we invest in child care expansion strengthens our economy and builds a more resilient, prosperous future for all British Columbians.”
Windermere Valley Child Care Society will operate the facility when it opens to children and families in early 2026.
“With construction of Rocky Mountain Child Care nearing completion, we are now focused on the final steps needed to prepare for opening,” said Evelyn Walker, Executive Director, Windermere Valley Child Care Society. “We are excited to be so close to welcoming children into this new centre and are deeply grateful for the patience, encouragement, and support the community has shown throughout this past year.”
Since 2017, Columbia Basin Trust has helped create over 1,400 new child care spaces and improve more than 3,600 existing ones. The Trust also supports the Early Childhood Educator workforce through wage subsidy and training wage programs. In partnership with the Kootenay Kids Society, child care providers can access advice on business challenges through a dedicated child care advisor. Learn more about how the Trust is supporting child care in the Basin at ourtrust.org/childcare.
Read the Ministry of Education and Child Care media release about Invermere’s Rocky Mountain Childcare Facility here.
