Families in Burnaby will have access to 75 new child-care spaces as part of a partnership that will provide culturally inclusive, affordable housing and child care in one location - one of the first purpose-built projects of this kind.
"In communities like Burnaby, finding quality, affordable housing and child care are two of the biggest obstacles parents face," said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care and MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed, in a news release. "This unique partnership will help local low- and middle-income families find the culturally inclusive supports they need to re-enter the workforce, go back to school or pursue new opportunities - things that can't happen without quality child care."
Through the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, and in partnership with BC Housing, the province is supporting S.U.C.C.E.S.S. to create child-care spaces as part of a new affordable housing project in Burnaby.
The project, which is scheduled to start construction in August 2021 and is expected to open in October 2023, will provide 161 rental homes for families and seniors, a child-care centre with outdoor play area, senior care and social services.
"We are grateful for the Province's investment into the development of new child care spaces," said Queenie Choo, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., in a statement. "Every day, more families are choosing to settle in Burnaby, a diverse and vibrant community. Our service approach to integrate child-care services with affordable housing and other community social services at 3802 Hastings St. will empower families to build stronger social and community connections. As a result, diverse families will experience an increased sense of belonging, well-being and inclusion in the growing community of Burnaby."
Since the launch of the Childcare BC plan in February 2018, the province has funded more than 20,000 new licensed spaces, supporting 780 new spaces each month on average.
