New daycare spaces are coming to Parksville with an agreement between the City and BGCCVI to operate out of the Parksville Community Centre. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

RENOVATIONS

Parksville partnering with BGCCVI to bring child and youth services to community

Nov 17, 2021 | 4:53 PM

PARKSVILLE — Young families in Parksville will soon have more options for childcare, while older youth and teens will have a place to burn off energy after school.

The City of Parksville are due to enter into a five-year lease with the BGC Central Vancouver Island (BGCCVI), to operate in a portion of the Parksville Community Centre.

A total of 91 new daycare spaces are expected to be part of a full-time child and family centre, along with programs for different age groups, family supports, outdoor recreation spaces and access to buses to facilitate daycare activities.

“By also offering programs between those critical hours of 3:30 to 6 p.m., this is when young people get bored, get disengaged, this is when vandalism starts to happen because kids just don’t have somewhere to go in a safe and supportive environment,” Karen Kove, BGCCVI executive director said.

She added allowing BGCCVI to enter Parksville and engage in a critical role with youth aligns with the City’s economic development plans.

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“You want to bring more young families to the area. As a parent myself, I wouldn’t come to areas where I didn’t have those services already available to support me, and one of those for sure is childcare and youth services.”

Funding for renovations to the Community Centre to accommodate these programs is coming in part from a grant of over $2 million provided by the B.C. government this past May.

The renovations will ensure the BGCCVI can operate in a safe and effective manner while not interfering with regular recreational activities.

The plan is to retain the Emergency Management Oceanside offices while expanding meeting spaces at the Jensen Ave. side of the building. The facility will also continue to be used as a vaccine clinic for COVID-19 immunizations.

The remainder will be operated by BGCCVI.

Programs are scheduled to open in the summer of 2022, with the opening of the 91 licensed childcare spaces ready in Sept. 2022.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow