North Cowichan is developing a new 158-space child care facility on municipally owned property in a residential area adjacent to Maple Bay Elementary School. This facility will provide a permanent home for an existing child care operator, ensuring continuity of services for families in the community.

Background

In 2023 North Cowichan received an $18,047,176 grant provided by the federal and provincial governments through the Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund to support a new 158-space child care facility. The new facility will replace the one operated by Parkside Academy Society at the former Somenos school site on Sprott Road.

The 158-space child care centre is expected to provide space for an additional 54 children, on top of the existing 104-space agreement with Parkside. Of the 158 spaces, 32 will be for under 36 months, 72 for 30 months to school age, and 54 spaces for 5 to 12 years.

In December 2023, Council and the Province endorsed a change of location from Morton Way to Donnay Drive due to contamination of the original site. The funding agreement with the Province specifies that the recipient (North Cowichan) ensures that the child care operation continues for a minimum of 35 years for the Parkside building.

The 15,000 square foot facility would include eight activity rooms, office space, a kitchen, and meeting rooms, plus outdoor play space, to accommodate 158 children.