NANAIMO – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says that the 536 new licensed child care spaces coming to Nanaimo and Ladysmith will benefit families, helping parents return to work, go back to school or pursue other opportunities.

“Families in my community have struggled to find quality, affordable child care for too long,” said Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “By partnering with the School District to deliver hundreds of child care spaces on school grounds, we are making access to this vital service more convenient for parents and providing an easier transitions for kids.”

Routley says that the funding of 536 new child care spaces in Nanaimo and Ladysmith area will ensure families can access the child care they need. Of these new spaces, 406 will be operated by School District 68 at various schools throughout the district including:

• Bayview Elementary – 17 spaces
• Cedar Elementary – 20 spaces
• Chase River Elementary  – 72 spaces
• Georgia Avenue Elementary – 18 spaces
• Qwam Qwum Stuwiwulh School – 38 spaces
• Ladysmith Primary – 72 spaces

The announcement of this local investment comes as part of a milestone in the BC government’s Childcare BC plan. The BC New Democrat government has created nearly 16,800 new licensed spaces in the past two years, the fastest in B.C.’s history, and has invested over $19 million in expanding access and reducing the cost of child care in Nanaimo-North Cowichan. The Childcare BC plan has helped parents save up to $1,600 a month, per child, for a total of over $8 million being returned to Nanaimo-North Cowichan parents through the Affordable Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative.

The New Democrat BC Government is working to keep people safe and healthy, while planning a long-term recovery to build B.C. back stronger. While our government has made significant progress, there is much more to do, together.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/22670