Penticton adds 521 child-care spaces since 2021

More than 520 licensed child-care spaces have been added in Penticton since 2021, putting the community 70 per cent of the way toward its goal of creating 722 new spaces by 2030. Council will receive an update on the Child Care Action Plan at its regular meeting on Aug. 4. 

The update highlights progress made through partnerships between the City, School District 67, child-care operators, community organizations and senior levels of government to expand access to child care for local families. 

Adopted by Council in 2021, the Child Care Action Plan established a roadmap to improve access to affordable, inclusive and quality child care in Penticton. The plan identified a target of creating 722 new licensed spaces by 2030 to help address growing demand and support children, families and the local workforce. 

"Finding child care remains one of the biggest challenges many families face," said Rachel McGeachie, social development manager. "Adding more than 500 licensed spaces in five years is meaningful progress that helps parents participate in the workforce, supports local employers and gives families more options close to home. While there is more work to do, Penticton is making steady progress toward its long-term child-care goals." 

Highlights from the report include:

•    The Edmonton Avenue Child Care Centre at Kiwanis Park, which opened in 2023 and created 116 licensed child-care spaces operated by OneSky Community Resources. 

•    The new Power Street Child Care Centre, developed in partnership with the YMCA of Southern Interior BC, which will provide approximately 80 licensed child-care spaces. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 5. 

•    Child-care projects at Uplands Elementary, Skaha Lake Elementary and Parkway Elementary that are expected to create approximately 240 licensed spaces once operational. 

•    Continued growth among private and home-based providers, including two facilities currently in the licensing process. 

•    An increase of approximately 340 child-care spaces benefiting from provincial affordability programs, including the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program and Child Care Operating Funding. 

The report notes that workforce shortages continue to be a significant challenge for the child-care sector locally and across British Columbia. Additional work is also needed to advance affordability, accessibility and inclusion for families. 

The City will continue working with community partners and senior governments to support future child-care expansion and pursue funding opportunities that help strengthen the local child-care system. 

Council will receive the Child Care Action Plan progress update at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The full report is available at Penticton.ca.