The City of Cranbrook has received $13.5 million from the Government of British Columbia to fully fund the construction of a new childcare facility that will reportedly create 123 licensed spaces.
The announcement follows a successful grant application under the ChildCare BC New Spaces Fund.
The new facility will be built on the former library site next to Western Financial Place, where outdoor exercise equipment and a gazebo are currently located.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with the facility expected to open in early 2028.
According to the City, a 2020 Child Care Action Plan revealed that only 20 per cent of children under 12 had access to licensed childcare services.
A follow-up assessment in 2024 identified the greatest need among children aged zero to three, and an immediate demand for full-day childcare for 262 families.
“Cranbrook has a very large unfilled need for all-day childcare and more before and after school care,” said Mayor Wayne Price.
“We are grateful for the support from the Government of BC and the Government of Canada to help Council and staff move this important initiative forward and to provide meaningful assistance to families in Cranbrook.”
City Council had initially selected a portion of Gyro Park for the facility, but public opposition prompted a review.
Following community feedback, the former library site was selected.
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