FAMILIES in Surrey will soon benefit from 48 new child-care spaces with the opening of River and Willows Early Learning and Child Care Centre at Bridgeview Community Centre. The facility will provide 24 spaces for infants and toddlers, and 24 group spaces for children 30 months to school age.
“These 48 additional spaces at Bridgeview Community Centre will make a real difference for families in this growing community,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “These are part of nearly 150 new child-care spaces added in Surrey over the last six months. Expanding child care also supports parents to return to work or pursue training and education.”
The expanded capacity was made possible through $2,371,800 in joint provincial and federal funding through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. The project also received $900,000 through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Child Care Space Creation Program, funded by the Province.
“This new child-care centre will create more opportunities for families in Surrey to thrive. By investing in affordable, high-quality child-care spaces, we are helping children access strong early learning experiences while giving parents the support they need to pursue education, build careers, and participate in the workforce,” said Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development and MP for Surrey Centre.
“Quality child care helps children learn and grow while giving parents the time they need to achieve their goals,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “The new spaces at River and Willows represent our continued commitment to expand child-care access for more children and families, especially in growing communities like Surrey.”
River and Willows will be operated by Métis Family Services, part of the Gathering the Circle Society, under a long-term partnership agreement with the City of Surrey and is scheduled to open this summer.
“Métis Family Services is pleased to be opening a childcare centre in partnership with the City of Surrey that is inclusive, integrates Métis values and culture into its curriculum, and emphasizes outdoor exploration and play in a park-like setting,” said Métis Family Services Director of Programs and Practice Marya McVicar. “Located in the growing Bridgeview community, River & Willows Early Learning and Child Care Centre will provide a safe, culturally grounded environment where children and families are supported by experienced staff and Métis Elders.”
Through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund and UBCM programs, 369 new licensed child-care spaces will be created at City of Surrey facilities, supported by more than $20.4 million in combined funding.
For more information about childcare in Surrey, visit Child Care | City of Surrey.
