Nearly $2 million from the province has been committed to build a 37-space childcare facility with extended hours in Qualicum Beach. (Pixabay)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

childcare options

Qualicum Beach lands nearly $2 million for new childcare facility

Aug 22, 2020 | 7:40 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — A substantial provincial grant will see nearly 40 affordable child care spaces built in Qualicum Beach.

Nearly $2 million in funding from the province is expected to fully fund construction costs prior to a non-profit organization taking over, according to the Town’s director of planning and community development Luke Sales.

He said the new licensed facility will be built on the Community Park property just west of downtown.

“It’s exciting to see this money coming from the province to support the youngest residents in our community,” Sales said. “We know through child care needs assessments that there is a serious demand.”

Sales said the Community Park site, home to numerous indoor and outdoor amenities, was deemed to be the best fit among more than a dozen other town-owned properties.

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He said it’s unclear where on the large property the new childcare facility will be built, which he said will be the subject of public consultation this fall.

“There is nice overlap, a parent could potentially drop their kid off at childcare and go utilize one of the other amenities in the Community Park.”

He said the nearly 3,300 sq/ft affordable child care facility will be for children aged three-years-old to kindergarten and will include an outdoor play area.

Sales said creating more affordable child care spaces in Qualicum Beach aligns with the community’s family retention goals.

He expected the new offering will open late in 2021.

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