Capilano University (CapU) welcomed elected representatives, community members and supporters to the future site of the Centre for Childhood Studies for the groundbreaking celebration marking the next phase of the evolution of main campus. The purpose-built child-centred building is slated to open in 2024.
“Today, we celebrate the groundbreaking of this fully integrated centre of research, learning and child care, which exemplifies how CapU is building a distinct university experience that inspires imagination and supports the well-being of our campus community,” said Paul Dangerfield, president, Capilano University in a news release.
The addition of the Centre for Childhood Studies will enable CapU to increase enrolment in early childhood education programs by 25%.
“The more students we have, the more ideas we get to think with, the more lived experiences that will spark and ignite dialogue,” said early childhood care and education student Aryanna Chartrand.
Guests included Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training; Capilano University Chancellor Yuri Fulmer; Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale; Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour; Mike Little, Mayor of the District of North Vancouver; and Linda Buchanan, Mayor of the City of North Vancouver; and capital campaign co-chairs Derek and Carlotta Lee.
Quick facts
The $18.6-million project is jointly funded with $9.14 million from Capilano University ($5 million of which is from donor support) and $9.46 million from the Province ($6.5 million from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training and $2.96 million from the Ministry of Education and Child Care Children). Capilano University is contributing toward the project.
2,135 square metres (23,000 square feet) of new studio space, study and research labs, classrooms and faculty offices.
74-space childcare centre (24 spaces under 36 months; 50 spaces 30 months to school age) on the ground floor.
Purpose-built classrooms, student study space and administrative space on the second floor for the early childhood care and education diploma, bachelor and post-baccalaureate programs.
CapU’s current 69-space Children’s Centre (24 spaces under 36 months; 45 spaces 30 months to school age), a not-for-profit childcare facility run by the university and licensed by Vancouver Coastal Health, will remain in operation when the new centre for childhood studies opens.
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