The province is investing in new child care spaces across British Columbia, with a focus on creating more before- and after-school care on school grounds.

School districts can now apply for funding to help repurpose existing space in schools, making it easier and faster to launch new child care programs.

“Schools are community hubs and this funding will help schools turn available space into much-needed before‑ and after-school child care, faster,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care.

“School districts have been clear; this support is critical to creating more child care spaces for families. Our government remains focused on building a child care system that works for families now and is sustainable long into the future.”

The Ministry of Infrastructure is providing $5 million in capital funding to support renovations and upgrades needed to create the new spaces, with some expected to open as early as fall 2026.

In a statement this week, the province highlighted Vanier Child Care Centre in Courtenay, which has 108 spaces - 36 spaces for infant-toddler, 48 for 30 months to kindergarten, and 24 spaces for school-age care on school grounds.

The province says that between January and June of this year, nearly 900 new child care spaces will open in 17 communities across B.C.

Those spaces are part of a more than $64-million investment through the ChildCareBC program, supported by both provincial and federal funding.

Since 2018, ChildCareBC investments have helped create nearly 59-thousand licensed child care spaces across the province, with another 12 thousand currently in development.

Families using the new spaces will also benefit from a fee-reduction program, which can lower child care costs by as much as $900 per child each month.

Additional financial help may also be available through the Affordable Child Care Benefit for families needing extra support.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.