Canal Flats, BC – The Village of Canal Flats is thrilled to announce the receipt of substantial funding totalling $2,598,000 to expand childcare facilities in the heart of our community. This funding includes $200,000 from Columbia Basin Trust and $2,398,000 from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.
The New Spaces Fund is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
This generous support will enable the expansion of our current child care facilities from 40 to 100 spaces. This project is a crucial component of the ongoing development of our downtown village centre, aligning with broader community enhancement and economic development goals.
“Access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care is life-changing for families, which is why increasing access is a focus of our ChildCareBC plan,” said Mitzi Dean, B.C. Minister of State for Child Care. “These expanded child care spaces at Canal Flats will benefit families and provide wonderful opportunities for children to grow, learn and play in a safe environment.”
“This exciting expansion means more families and kids will have a spot in an affordable, high-quality daycare right in heart of their community,” said the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “Announcements like these are a step forward in reducing waitlists, putting more money back in parent’s pockets, and giving kids the best possible start in life.”
The expansion will be managed by the Attainable Housing and Childcare Society, a strategic partner committed to fostering community growth in Canal Flats and surrounding areas. This project is a cornerstone of their strategy to address the pressing needs of local families and support regional development.
Operating under the name Headwaters Academy, the new childcare spaces will introduce a pioneering campus-based approach. This innovative model will integrate living accommodations for new Early Childcare Educators directly on-site, fostering a supportive educational environment and enhancing the quality of care.
“This expansion marks a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting families and children,” said Mark Doherty, Mayor of Canal Flats. “These new facilities will not only provide much-needed childcare spaces but will also contribute to the vitality of our downtown core, making Canal Flats an even more attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Construction is slated to begin in June, with the anticipated opening of the new facilities scheduled for September 2025.
