May 6, 2024
DAWSON CREEK, BC – School District 59 is creating 74 child care spaces in Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge to provide support for families with young children. The District has secured capital funding through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.
"Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge families will benefit from more high-quality new child care spaces in their growing communities,” said Mitzi Dean, B.C.’s Minister of State for Child Care. “Improving access to child care spaces gives kids the best possible start and supports parents to plan a brighter future for their families.”
Design is underway for 12 spaces each in Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge for children under 36 months as well as 25 spaces in each of the two communities for children aged 36 months to school age.
“The creation of these much-needed additional child care spaces will make life easier for more families in Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge,” said Jenna Sudds, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “By providing them with reliable and affordable child care, our government is helping more families save more money. We are committed to providing affordable, accessible, inclusive and high-quality child care to communities across the country, ensuring all children have the best possible start in life.”
“Child care on school sites assist working families with getting their children to and from school while managing busy schedules. When we extend child care options in our schools, our schools become even more valuable community hubs.” said Board Chair Chad Anderson.
With $7.95 million in funding through the federally and provincially supported ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, the design of the child care facilities has begun. The District applied for funding in 2022 and secured support for the construction of child care spaces at school sites in two municipalities: Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge. The new centres will be located at Tumbler Ridge Elementary School and Tremblay Elementary School.
“I am so excited to see this investment in School District 59 for much needed child care spaces” said Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South. “The need for affordable and available child care is paramount in our communities as we work to recruit professionals and their families to our region, as well as supporting those who have been desperately looking for this opportunity.”
Superintendent Christy Fennell, “We are very excited to announce our new spaces for Tumbler Ridge and Dawson Creek, which will help families access affordable, quality, and inclusive child care. This helps youth develop their early cognitive and social skills to prepare them for success in learning.”
Child care centres will have an office space, full kitchen, washrooms, outdoor learning space and include a wheelchair lift for accessibility. The additional child care spaces are expected to be completed in April 2026.
For more information visit: Child Care Facilities | School District 59 (sd59.bc.ca)
For more information contact:
Kim Morris, Secretary-Treasurer
School District No. 59 (Peace River South)
Office: 250.784.6329
