The provincial government invested $500,000 in 81 new licensed childcare spaces in Prince George, which is part of the Major Child Care Capital Program, under the BC Early Years Strategy.
The funds will go to the YMCA of Northern B.C.'s Lac des Bois Family Development Centre that is housed in Ecole Lac des Bois French Immersion elementary. There are 12 spaces for infants and toddlers, 25 spaces for three to five year olds who are in all-day child care, 24 spaces for school children and 20 for children who attend preschool for 2.5 hours either in the morning or the afternoon in preparation for kindergarten.
"It can be very challenging to find high-quality, affordable childcare in B.C. and we are committed to making that care more accessible for Northern families," said Shirley Bond, Prince George-Valemount MLA in a news release. "Collaborating with the YMCA of Northern B.C. helps us create programs like the Lac des Bois Family Development Centre that gives children the kind of opportunities they need to reach their full potential."
The provincial government's goal is to have 2,000 more childcare spaces in place throughout B.C by March 2016.
Non-profit childcare providers could make an application for up to $500,000, while private childcare providers could apply for up to $250,000. Priority was given to those areas of the province that are considered under served regarding childcare spaces.
This is the second phase of the childcare major capital funding project.
