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.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 good for families, it香蕉视频直播檚 good for children, it香蕉视频直播檚 good for the economy, it香蕉视频直播檚 good for employers,香蕉视频直播 said Grace Lore, Minister of State of Childcare. 香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檓 happy to announce that dozens of local families and airport staff are now benefitting from this gorgeous new facility.香蕉视频直播
The city received approximately $3.8 million from the province to build the facility which is operated by the YMCA.
香蕉视频直播淎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,香蕉视频直播 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.
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Stevens added that KF Aerospace began its vision for a childcare facility a few years ago.
香蕉视频直播淚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香蕉视频直播檙e pretty excited with the outcome that you see behind us.香蕉视频直播
Stevens added the company has invested $500,000 in the centre.
David Bond, YMCA board chair, said it香蕉视频直播檚 important for parents to have access to high-quality childcare.
香蕉视频直播漈here is a sense of confidence that you can go back to work and know that your child is getting quality healthcare and childcare香蕉视频直播ut you also know that they香蕉视频直播檙e close by.香蕉视频直播
YLW Chief Executive Officer, Sam Samaddar, said the airport is honoured to be part of the project.
香蕉视频直播淲e are one of the first airports in North America to be able to provide an onsite childcare facility. It香蕉视频直播檚 something that I香蕉视频直播檝e been pushing with my colleagues香蕉视频直播o start toeing the line.香蕉视频直播
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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