AUGUST 20^th, 2019 – PRINCE RUPERT, B.C - Access to affordable, quality child care is a key part of supporting both families and the local economy in the City of Prince Rupert. To address this, planning is underway to complete a Child Care Assessment and Action Plan, which will provide the community with a clear understanding of existing and future child care needs along with actions to realizing space creation targets. This project was made possible through $25,000 in grant funding from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).

“We know from speaking with residents that child care is something that many families in Prince Rupert struggle with, especially those working shift work,” said Mayor Lee Brain. “This study will help us to quantify those anecdotal stories, and provide a basis for local child care providers to apply for the new funds available through the Province.”

The plan will also be a valuable resource for the City, child care operators, employers and community partners to use to proactively address local child care needs. In addition, it will be a key document to assist local applications for the recently announced Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, where Prince Rupert is eligible for up to $3 million in space creation funding.

To kick off the project the City is asking parents and child care providers to complete a survey in order to better understand local child care needs and challenges. The survey is available online via http://www.engage.princerupert.ca and at various community locations, including the Prince Rupert Library, Recreation Complex, City Hall, Friendship Centre, and Northern Savings Credit Union. Parents completing the survey are eligible to win passes for the Prince Rupert Recreation Complex and a $500 RESP from Northern Savings Credit Union for participating. The survey will be open until September 30th, 2019.

Information received from child care providers and parents will inform the development of the draft plan, which will be available for public review in February 2020. More information, including links to the surveys and a child participation activity, can be found on the City’s website at engage.princerupert.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT

Veronika Stewart, Communications Manager

250 627 0976

veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca