By Steve Hubrecht
The planned expansion of Headwaters Academy daycare centre in Canal Flats got a big financial boost last week.
The provincial and federal government will contribute nearly $2.4 million through the ChildCare BC New Spaces Fund, and the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) will kick in another $200,000 for a total of $2.6 million.
The daycare expansion is part of the village’s planned affordable housing-medical technology hub project (reported on previously in the Pioneer).
Headwaters Academy currently has 40 childcare spots; the expansion will add a second building and 60 additional daycare spots to Headwaters.
The new Headwaters building will also include accommodation on the upper floors that will be specifically for early childhood educators working in the daycare.
Plans don’t stop there, however, and Headwaters — which is run by the nonprofit Canal Flats Attainable Housing and Childcare Society — is aiming to expand its reach to two additional areas outside of Canal Flats in the next two years. These too will be done in what Headwaters calls its “campus-based approach.”
“This expansion aims to create career progression opportunities, reduce operating costs, and enhance our branding and standards, ensuring long-term sustainability,” said Headwaters executive director Ashley Nielsen.
Construction on the expansion should begin this month, with the new building set to open by September 2025.
“This expansion marks a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting families and children,” said Canal Flats Mayor Mark Doherty. “These new facilities will not only provide much-needed childcare spaces but will also contribute to the vitality of our downtown core, making Canal Flats an even more attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.”
“This exciting expansion means more families and kids will have a spot in a high-quality daycare right in the heart of their community,” said federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds in a press release.
“These expanded child care spaces at Canal Flats will benefit families and provide wonderful opportunities for children to grow, learn and play in a safe environment,” added B.C. Minister of State for Child Care Mitzi Dean.
In an effort to increase its visibility and reputation, Headwaters Academy will also sponsor the Canal Flats Arena, which is being renamed as the Headwaters Academy Arena.
“This sponsorship underscores our commitment to the community and aligns with our mission to foster growth, health, and sustainability in Canal Flats and beyond,” said Nielsen.
