Supporting Families Through Child Care Investments - Facility Near Opening

Supporting Families Through Child Care Investments 119-seat childcare facility near opening at Columneetza Junior Secondary School in Williams Lake

The Cariboo-Chilcotin School District (SD27) supports families throughout our community. This support goes beyond the incredible learning opportunities provided to students within the four walls of our schools and the hours of the school day. This is why the district is excited to announce that we are nearing completion of the new childcare facility at Columneetza Junior Secondary School in Williams Lake.

“This new child care centre on school grounds will make a real difference for working families and single parents in Williams Lake,” said Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care. “Being located on school grounds means easier routines for working people and a smoother transition into early learning for children. It is a meaningful step toward making child care more accessible and better connected to the needs of local families.”

We know that securing childcare is a barrier to many families in our communities. As a result, we have worked closely with the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the City of Williams Lake to increase childcare spaces on district property. Partnering with the Women’s Contact Society, our trusted community partner and operator, the 119-seat facility is scheduled to open in Spring 2025.

The Province partnered with the Cariboo-Chilcotin School District (SD27) to create the new child care spaces through over $4 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. This fund is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the 2021-2022 to 2030-2031 Canada-British Columbia Canada - Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Quality, safe and welcoming childcare is essential for the health of every community and the peace of mind of every family. The Cariboo-Chilcotin School District looks forward to inviting families and their little ones to the new facility when we celebrate its opening. When confirmed, information on opening and registration will be shared with the community.