Kids, parents, and dignitaries were all on hand for the grand opening of the YMCA Childcare Centre at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) on Thursday (Nov. 16).
The centre provides 86 spaces for children five years old and younger and is a partnership between the YMCA Southern Interior of BC, the City of Kelowna, the province, YLW, and KF Aerospace.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 good for families, it91裸聊视频檚 good for children, it91裸聊视频檚 good for the economy, it91裸聊视频檚 good for employers,91裸聊视频� said Grace Lore, Minister of State of Childcare. 91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 happy to announce that dozens of local families and airport staff are now benefitting from this gorgeous new facility.91裸聊视频�
The city received approximately $3.8 million from the province to build the facility which is operated by the YMCA.
91裸聊视频淎s we officially welcome this facility and the much-needed childcare spaces to our community I know many families working on the YLW campus and throughout Kelowna share in my gratitude for this incredible support,91裸聊视频� said Mayor Tom Dyas.
KF Aerospace Chief Corporate Services Officer, Grant Stevens, noted that childcare was a significant challenge for many women continuing their careers with the company.
91裸聊视频淲e would hire, they would have a family and then we would lose them.91裸聊视频�
Stevens added that KF Aerospace began its vision for a childcare facility a few years ago.
91裸聊视频淚t was from there that the program blossomed. We put together a tremendous partnership with the city, the province, the YMCA, and KF, and we91裸聊视频檙e pretty excited with the outcome that you see behind us.91裸聊视频�
Stevens added the company has invested $500,000 in the centre.
David Bond, YMCA board chair, said it91裸聊视频檚 important for parents to have access to high-quality childcare.
91裸聊视频漈here is a sense of confidence that you can go back to work and know that your child is getting quality healthcare and childcare91裸聊视频ut you also know that they91裸聊视频檙e close by.91裸聊视频�
YLW Chief Executive Officer, Sam Samaddar, said the airport is honoured to be part of the project.
91裸聊视频淲e are one of the first airports in North America to be able to provide an onsite childcare facility. It91裸聊视频檚 something that I91裸聊视频檝e been pushing with my colleagues91裸聊视频o start toeing the line.91裸聊视频�
Since 2018 the province has funded more than 33,000 new licensed childcare spaces in B.C., with more than 1,700 located in the Kelowna area.
READ MORE: New childcare facility unveiled at Kelowna elementary school
READ MORE: Central Okanagan childcare spaces expanding
