The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is set to expand and help with a growing need in Kelowna.
On Thursday, May 29, the Y and the Stober Group announced they will be opening a new childcare space in the Landmark District, opening 53 new spaces.
According to a press release, as many as 1,100 families are seeking childcare services and more than 1,500 new spaces are required in the Central Okanagan by 2030 to meet growing demand.
“Making it easier for families in Kelowna to access childcare is not only right - it’s smart too,” said Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Jobs and Families. “By providing affordable child care in the places families live and work, we are making things easier for parents and giving our youth the best chance at successful development.”
The new space, set to open in late 2025 will feature 12 spaces for infants and toddlers aged 0–5 and 41 spaces for children aged 3–5.
These new spaces come after an investment of more than $2.4 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, which is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding provided under the 2021-22 to 2025-2026 Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The deal was recently extended to 2030-2031.
"We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Stober Group, for their vision and support of the non-profit sector and organizations like the YMCA of Southern Interior BC, as we work together to support our community," said Allyson Graf, YMCA President and CEO. "Together, we have increased the number of high-quality, safe, and affordable childcare spaces, which is not only good for children and families but also for the local economy."
It is also stated the YMCA and Stober Group selected the Landmark District because of its centralized location. The Stober Group owns and operates the Landmark District.
Families interested in joining the waitlist can do so on the YMCA's website.
