Vancouver is a childcare desert, over 70% of families continue to go without access to childcare and out-of-school care space in Vancouver.

For the first time ever, the provincial government has made a commitment to support $10/day childcare spaces and has allocated funds to cover the capital costs associated with the development of childcare spaces. Using provincial money to develop modular childcare on Vancouver School Board property is one way the VSB can help alleviate the heavy burden faced by parents with young children.

Trustee Jennifer Reddy is bringing forward the following motion to the VSB asking the Board to explore collaborating with the Province to expand childcare access across the city:

…that the VSB investigate with the Ministry of Education and Child Care how the VSB can access new, additional capital funds in order to increase on-site childcare space creation including the possibility of prefabricated (modular) childcare buildings;

And further that the VSB investigate specific school board locations of possible childcare sites across the District with a focus on the south-east and north-east quadrants of Vancouver where there is currently a significant lack of childcare spaces;

And further that these enquiries be completed as soon as possible, that the information gathered is shared at a public VSB Board Meeting and shared with the City of Vancouver in alignment with COV recent direction regarding prefabricated (modular) childcare facilities.

Read Trustee Jennifer Reddy's full motion for February 26, 2024