Identifying child care space needs in Prince Rupert

The Northern View - 3/25/2019

More than $1 million in grants is going toward improving childcare in communities across B.C.

The provincial government is providing grants of up to $25,000 for each community. Both Terrace and Prince Rupert are among the 70 communities receiving the grant that will be used to find how many child care spaces are needed today and how to best prepare for the future.

"Child care is a community effort and our government recognizes the need to include community leaders. The City of Prince Rupert will use the grant to create an inventory of existing child care spaces, identify how many child care spaces are needed now and how many will be needed over the coming years, as well as the type of child care that is needed," said Jennifer Rice, North Coast MLA.

There are more than daycares listed in Prince Rupert, and many more home-based child care centres.

Funding for child care planning came from a $3-million partnership in September 2018 between the province and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).

"We can't solve the child care shortage on our own. Municipalities know the needs of families in their communities, and this insight will make sure that child care investments are strategic and new spaces are created where they are most needed," said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. "We know that when families have access to affordable, quality child care spaces where they live, it is good for our communities. Local businesses thrive and families have more stability."

More government funding announcements — up to $1 million — are coming soon to support new licensed child care spaces, according to the province's press release.

Shannon Lough