EXCERPTS
MAPLE RIDGE, B.C. – A partnership between the province of British Columbia and the government of Canada will give $1 million to the City of Maple Ridge, B.C. to build a new community development with licensed child care spaces.
The centre will have 12 spaces for infants and toddlers, the most in-demand category in the province, and will be a part of a new community centre co-located with South Albion Elementary School, itself a new project. Through the school, children will have access to facilities such as the gym, playground and library.
“These new child care spaces are very important for families in this fast growing neighbourhood. The Albion Community Centre is co-located by the new elementary school. For young families, there’s a huge benefit to having siblings in close proximity as they transition from early child care to daycare, preschool and elementary school. It creates a strong sense of community and will alleviate parents from having multiple pickup and drops-offs every day. This is a great investment in the neighbourhood and our city,” Maple Ridge mayor Mike Morden said.
“Creating quality spaces where our children can learn and grow is a crucial step in supporting local families. Today’s announcement will make it easier for parents in our community to help their little ones get the bright start they deserve,” Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge MP Dan Ruimy said.
The Community Child Care Space Creation Program is funded through the Early Care and Learning Agreement with the government of Canada, and the program is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, with up to $1 million to create new licensed child care spaces in communities.
Under the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, public sector organizations are eligible for up to $1 million to support the creation of new licensed child care spaces. The City of Maple Ridge expects the child care centre to be open by 2020.