New licensed child care spaces will be created in existing and planned social housing developments under an agreement between the Ministry of Children and Family Development and BC Housing, Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid announced today.
?Good quality, accessible child care is important to families, to communities and to this government,? said Reid, who signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU). ?This innovative partnership with the BC Housing will support the creation of over 100 new child care spaces at three social housing developments across the province.?
Social housing sites in New Westminster, Kamloops and Port Alberni, currently under development by BC Housing, will include new licensed group child care spaces. The Kamloops and Port Alberni projects are renovations to existing spaces and will create 20-25 new spaces at each location. The New Westminster site is a new development that will see the creation of 62 new child care spaces along with assisted living units for seniors and people with disabilities, an adult day program and a community health centre.
?The Province is committed to creating housing that has integrated supports for residents,? said Rich Coleman, Minister responsible for Housing. ?This agreement will provide homes for families, improve service, build friendships and offer quality child care close to residents? front doors.?
The Ministry of Children and Family Development is committing $2.5 million to the funding partnership. BC Housing, with the ministry, will identify appropriate and viable non-profit child care providers to operate the child care centres. The MOU ensures that each child care centre will operate for a minimum of 10 years.
Since 2001, the Province has created 3,300 new spaces, bringing the total number of government-funded, licensed child care spaces to more than 82,300. For more information on child care programs and services, visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/
BC Housing partners with private and non-profit housing providers, other levels of government, health authorities and community groups to increase affordable housing options for British Columbians in greatest need.