At a press conference on Thursday, Aug. 8, the province announced that nine new affordable childcare facilities will soon open across B.C., and West Shore will be home to three of them.
These facilities will offer reduced childcare fees by up to $900 per child per month.
“It was not too long ago that childcare for one or two or three or more kids was the equivalent of a mortgage payment,” said Langford-Juan de Fuca MLA Ravi Parmar.
The View Royal facilities, which will operate in Colwood, Metchosin and Langford, will provide childcare for 105 children.
“Since becoming mayor in 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many families in Langford and the resounding message is clear: we urgently need more daycare spaces,” said Langford mayor Scott Goodmason.
Sooke School District board chair Amanda Dowhy stressed the importance of accessible childcare.
"By investing in early learning and childcare, we are laying a strong foundation for our young learners which will benefit them for years to come," she said. "It is our hope that continued investment will not only support families today but also contribute to the long-term prosperity of our communities and wellbeing.”
When it opens in September, the Colwood facility, called the Hulitan Early Years Centre, will offer Indigenous-focused, trauma-informed childcare. The Metchosin facility will operate out of Hans Helgesen Elementary School. A location hasn't been selected for the Langford facility.
