Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Province provides funds for Pemberton childcare centre

An extra $200,000

A childcare centre in Pemberton is one step closer to reality after the provincial government contributed $200,000 to the project Friday.

West Vancouver-Garibaldi MLA Joan McIntyre presented the cheque, part of a $500,000 commitment the provincial government has made to the Pemberton Childcare Society project, which will see 56 childcare spaces created.

"These new spaces will help parents in the Pemberton area access quality child-care services and support for their children," said McIntyre. "I am very pleased the Pemberton Childcare Society is receiving this funding. The organization provides a great service meeting the needs of families and I know this money will help pre-school children specifically."

The provincial funding, which was approved last month, is in addition to $350,000 provided by the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. The Pemberton Childcare Society estimates the children’s centre will cost $900,000, leaving the society $50,000 short of the total. A fundraising campaign is underway.

Earlier, the Village of Pemberton contributed land, on Cottonwood Street, for the project. A master plan for that parcel, Lot 15, is still being developed.

The society has already hired an architect for the 4,500 square foot facility.

The provincial funding will go towards construction costs, site development expenses and fees for the new Pemberton Children's Centre. Upon completion, the centre will house 20 spaces for children under three years of age, 20 for pre-school age and 16 will be dedicated to tots older than 30 months yet under school age.

The province is making two payments to the Pemberton Childcare Society. In addition to $200,000 in funding delivered immediately, $300,000 will be remitted during the next fiscal year. In total, the government is contributing approximately $9,000 per space.