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.
害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 good for families, it害羞草研究所檚 good for children, it害羞草研究所檚 good for the economy, it害羞草研究所檚 good for employers,害羞草研究所� said Grace Lore, Minister of State of Childcare. 害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檓 happy to announce that dozens of local families and airport staff are now benefitting from this gorgeous new facility.害羞草研究所�
The city received approximately $3.8 million from the province to build the facility which is operated by the YMCA.
害羞草研究所淎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,害羞草研究所� 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.
害羞草研究所淲e would hire, they would have a family and then we would lose them.害羞草研究所�
Stevens added that KF Aerospace began its vision for a childcare facility a few years ago.
害羞草研究所淚t was from there that the program blossomed. We put together a tremendous partnership with the city, the province, the YMCA, and KF, and we害羞草研究所檙e pretty excited with the outcome that you see behind us.害羞草研究所�
Stevens added the company has invested $500,000 in the centre.
David Bond, YMCA board chair, said it害羞草研究所檚 important for parents to have access to high-quality childcare.
害羞草研究所漈here is a sense of confidence that you can go back to work and know that your child is getting quality healthcare and childcare害羞草研究所ut you also know that they害羞草研究所檙e close by.害羞草研究所�
YLW Chief Executive Officer, Sam Samaddar, said the airport is honoured to be part of the project.
害羞草研究所淲e are one of the first airports in North America to be able to provide an onsite childcare facility. It害羞草研究所檚 something that I害羞草研究所檝e been pushing with my colleagues害羞草研究所o start toeing the line.害羞草研究所�
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.
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