Minister of State for Child Care Mitzi Dean, Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard and numerous Comox Valley dignitaries were on hand for the grand opening of the Arden Child Care Centre on Monday, June 10 - one of two new child care centres in Courtenay.

Arden Elementary and Glacier View Secondary schools will each have 75 spaces, including 24 spaces for infant-toddlers, 32 spaces for kids aged three to five and 94 new spaces for school-age care on school grounds.

"Child care on school grounds has a real impact on families' lives," said Dean. "By providing high-quality child care directly on school grounds, children receive the best start on their early learning in a familiar, nurturing environment, while making it easier for busy parents to balance their professional and personal responsibilities."

The new spaces come as a result of almost $8 million in provincial funding through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.

鈥淭his is an exciting place for kids to start their journey here in the Comox Valley,鈥� said Leonard. 鈥淚 want to say thank you especially to our school district because they have worked really hard with the province to make sure that we get it right. I am so proud of the players here in the Comox Valley who really helping make it happen.

"These new child care spaces on school grounds will be a wonderful resource for families as Courtenay's population continues to grow. Having child care at schools reduces the number of transitions students have in a day, which is easier for them and their families. These much-needed spaces will go a long way to help relieve some of the stress on working families and greatly support our community."

鈥淭he creation of these centres demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting families and children in our district,鈥� said School District 71 board chair Michelle Waite. 鈥淲e know that there is... a strong demand for before-, during-, and after-school child care. There are hundreds of families in need of child care in our community. These new facilities at Arden Elementary and Glacier View Secondary are a step in addressing this critical need. These centres are designed to offer high-quality early-learning environments that are accessible and affordable. They are equipped with modern facilities, and staffed by dedicated professionals who are passionate about early childhood education. 

鈥淭hese centres will help to lay a strong foundation for our children鈥檚 future and to their overall development and success. On behalf of the board of education, I was to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making this project a reality.鈥�

To help fast track the creation of child care spaces on school grounds, the province developed a funding pathway for B.C. school districts interested in creating or expanding access to licensed child care in schools. Applications are still being accepted for the 2024-25 ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.