City of Vancouver delivers new 69-space childcare facility in South Vancouver

May 22 2024 -

This afternoon marked the official opening of a brand new, not-for-profit, childcare facility in South Vancouver's Marpole neighbourhood.

Marpole Neighbourhood House Child Care and Early Years Learning Centre External website, opens in new tab is a 69-space childcare facility located on the rooftop of the newly re-built David Lloyd George Elementary school External website, opens in new tab. The centre accommodates infants, toddlers, and children aged 3 to 5 years old.

This project is the result of a partnership between the City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia, where the Province contributed $3 million in funding from ChildCareBC's New Spaces Fund, and the City funded the remaining construction costs of $6.3 million through development contributions.

This project is the most recent in a series of school-childcare partnerships between the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver School Board (VSB). The VSB's seismic replacement program and new school builds have created a unique opportunity for the City of Vancouver to deliver childcare through an innovative co-location model that places full-day childcare facilities on the top level of new and replacement schools enabling a 'one stop hub' approach for families. This model supports the City's objectives of creating a healthy city for all, while supporting parents' ability to participate in the workforce.

The City is pleased to be partnering with Marpole Neighbourhood House, a member of the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC, for operation of the new facility. Neighbourhood houses foster community relationships in underserved areas across the city, including Marpole, and are uniquely positioned to connect childcare to social programs. This childcare centre is a much-needed addition to the South Vancouver area which, despite having one-fifth of Vancouver's child and youth population, is underserved in resources for children, families and seniors.

The City of Vancouver plays a strong role in supporting childcare for families through land-use policies, regulation, municipal leadership and innovation. In 2022, Vancouver City Council approved Vancouver's 10-Year Childcare Strategy: Making Strides.

"We are very proud of the City's role in opening this new 69-space childcare centre as we know that less than half of Vancouver families who need childcare are able to find it," said Mayor Ken Sim. "We applaud the provincial and federal governments for their commitment to childcare and are excited to see their continued investment. We are eager to support and do our part by streamlining the City's regulatory framework, leveraging partnerships, and implementing our 10-year Childcare Strategy."

The City of Vancouver is committed to continuing to plan for accessible, affordable, and quality childcare and early learning opportunities - ensuring that children, families, and everyone in our communities can continue to learn, work, and thrive.

Quotes

Mitzi Dean, Minister of State for Child Care

"Families in Vancouver are busy enough without spending more time driving. Including childcare as part of the school build means one less thing for busy parents to worry about. These new childcare spaces give kids a great opportunity to learn and grow and helps create a community where families can thrive."

Nilda Borrino, Executive Director Marpole Neighbourhood House

"The opening of Marpole Neighbourhood House Child Care and Early Years Learning Centre symbolizes a significant step forward for Marpole Neighbourhood House, marking a period of growth and enhanced community engagement. The neighbourhood house approach to childcare is unique, inclusive and collaborative, fostering stronger community connections, and creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all families."

Windy Lui, parent (daughter attends toddler program)

"Marpole Neighbourhood House Child Care has been a wonderful place for our daughter. We are so happy that we found a daycare within our community with loving and knowledgeable educators, that provide a variety of creative activities including neighborhood walks and active/outdoor play."