New Lavington daycare centre set to open in December

Photo: BC Gov't

Families in Lavington will soon have access to more than 30 new licensed child care spaces.

"The new Maven Lane child care centre's location (near Lavington Elementary School) means parents who also have older children will have a one-stop drop-off and pickup location, making morning routines much easier," said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development. 

Childcare BC's New Spaces Fund is supporting the District of Coldstream in building the centre, which will be operated by the North Okanagan Child Care Society. Its location was the subject of local debate, as the project will take space from Lavington Centennial Park.

The centre is expected to open in December and will offer 32 spaces, including 12 infant/toddler spaces, eight spaces for children age three to five years, and 12 spaces for children up to the age of 12 years.

"We have heard from the community that there is a desperate need for additional child care spaces in Coldstream," said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick. 

Maven Lane will be an inclusive centre with wheelchair-accessible washrooms and outdoor play spaces, and staff will have training in early childhood development and special needs to ensure all children can participate in activities. Parent participation will include field trips to local fire halls, police stations, museums, libraries, pet stores and beaches to build a sense of community.

The province's New Spaces Fund has provided funding for nearly 16,800 new spaces across the province.