School District 59 to create 74 childcare spaces in Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — School District 59 is creating 74 childcare spaces in Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge to provide support for families with young children.

According to Jenna Sudds, Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, childcare spaces are needed to make life easier for families in the municipalities. 

“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,” said Sudds in a media release. 

The new centres will be located at Tumbler Ridge Elementary School and Tremblay Elementary School.

Each municipality will have 12 spaces for children under 36 months and 25 spaces for children from 36 months to school age.

“I am so excited to see this investment in School District 59 for much-needed child care spaces,” said Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier in the release. 

“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.”

The additional childcare spaces are expected to be completed in April 2026.

“Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge families will benefit from more high-quality new childcare spaces in their growing communities,” said Mitzi Dean, B.C.’s Minister of State for Child Care.

The spaces are being built with $7.95 million in funding through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.

According to the provincial government’s website, the fund is instrumental in creating thousands of new licensed spaces throughout B.C. and is an integral pathway for public sector providers to develop accessible and inclusive childcare spaces.

The district applied for funding in 2022 and secured support for constructing the spaces at the school sites.

The child care centres will have an office space, full kitchen, washrooms, outdoor learning space, and a wheelchair lift for accessibility.