271 New Childcare Spaces Launch in Greater Victoria This Fall

Parents in Greater Victoria will benefit from increased childcare options starting this fall, as the province of British Columbia has announced the creation of 271 new childcare spaces in the region. This initiative, revealed on October 17, 2023, aims to support families in their search for quality childcare services.

The majority of the new spaces will be located at the Next Level Child Care Society in Esquimalt, which will offer 175 new spots. Additionally, 59 spaces will be available at the Burnside Child Care Centre, while the Choo Choo Let’s Go Child Care Centre in Sooke will add 37 new slots. These facilities will cater to a range of age groups, from infants and toddlers to school-aged children.

Esquimalt-Colwood MLA Darlene Rotchford expressed her support for the expansion, stating, “As a mum of two little ones, I know myself how important childcare is to support families while children learn and grow. More childcare in our region means more families with options that work for them when they need it most.” Her sentiments were echoed by Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Nina Krieger, who emphasized the importance of access to high-quality childcare, stating, “We are proud to build on our commitment to expanding access to community-based childcare.”

This development is part of a broader initiative to enhance childcare availability across British Columbia. In total, over 900 new childcare spaces are set to open in 14 communities throughout the province this fall. Other locations benefiting from this expansion include Burnaby, Courtenay, Kelowna, Merritt, and Maple Ridge.

Funding for the new spaces amounts to nearly $34 million, provided by both provincial and federal governments. This financial support has been allocated to non-profit organizations and local and Indigenous governments through the ChildCareBC program. Such investments are crucial in addressing the growing demand for childcare services, allowing more families to find suitable arrangements for their children.

The new childcare spaces are expected to have a significant impact on the local community, providing essential support for working parents and fostering the development of young children. As the Greater Victoria area prepares for these upcoming changes, families can look forward to enhanced childcare options that meet their diverse needs.