New 69-space childcare facility opens in South Vancouver’s Marpole neighbourhood

This afternoon, City of Vancouver officially opened a new, not-for-profit childcare facility in South Vancouver’s Marpole neighbourhood.

Marpole Neighbourhood House Child Care and Early Years Learning Centre is a 69-space childcare facility located on the rooftop of the newly reconstructed David Lloyd George Elementary School. It accommodates infants, toddlers, and children aged 3 to 5.

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).

In a press release, the City of Vancouver said 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 said it 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.

“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.