Kelowna childcare provider Building Blocks closing one location and selling another

Photo: Produckidvity.com

ProducKIDvity is taking over the Sutherland Avenue location of Building Blocks Educate.

Some families in Kelowna will be left scrambling to find new childcare.

After 15 years of business, Building Blocks Educare is shutting down at the end of February.

Building Blocks is closing its location on Gordon Drive, while its other location on Sutherland Avenue is being taken over by locally-owned and operated ProducKIDvity, as of April 1, 2023.

"At ProducKIDvity, quality childcare is at the heart of our business and we are thrilled to expand in the Kelowna market to continue to serve even more families,” says Alex Carnio, Founder and CEO of ProducKIDvity.

A news release says that Building Blocks explored options including lease renewal and new locations but determined that losing the Gordon Drive location meant starting over, which was not feasible for the organization.

Families with children currently at the Sutherland Ave. location have the first right of refusal to receive childcare from ProducKIDvity. Families with children at the Gordon Drive location of Building Blocks will have to search elsewhere unless a spot opens up at Sutherland Ave.

"Although it is sad to see Building Blocks Educare close their doors, we are pleased to be able to provide an option of continuity for the families of the Sutherland Avenue location through this acquisition,” says Carnio.

The company also has expansion plans. It is actively working to open two new centres this year.

"Given the trust and relationships ProducKIDvity fosters with families, we have full confidence that the expansion will increase quality childcare in the local market and offer more choice to Kelowna families,” Carnio adds.

ProducKIDvity offers childcare and shared office space in one location. Its services include evening and weekend care, full in-house meal programs and curriculum-based learning for children ranging from 0-5 years.

Building Blocks offered three programs for toddlers and preschoolers at its two locations.