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2007 News and Information

Construction Starts of Richmond Child Care Project

11 May 2007

From the British Columbia  Ministry of Children and Family Development
Hamilton Childcare Facility Opening May 2007RICHMOND – Construction on Richmond’s newest licensed child care centre began today with an official groundbreaking at the old Hamilton fire hall site on Westminster Highway.

Linda Reid, Minister of State for Child Care and Richmond East MLA, was joined in the groundbreaking by City of Richmond Acting Mayor Cynthia Chen and Valerie Orth, chair of the Society of Richmond Children’s Centres, as well as a host of community representatives.

“After many months of careful planning, it’s wonderful to see the Hamilton child care project truly underway,” said Reid. “This project is not only a wonderful addition to our community but also a true testament to the power of partnerships at the local, municipal and provincial levels. Local children and their families will see the benefits of that partnership for many years to come.”

The Ministry of Children and Family Development provided $500,000 in major capital funding for the project, which is set to open its doors in early 2008. Operated by the Society of Richmond Children’s Centres – a well-established local child-care provider – and supported by the City of Richmond, the purpose-built facility will offer licensed child care to more than 25 children over the age of 30 months.

“Our City’s vision is to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada – ensuring that parents have access to local child care is an important part of that goal,” said Chen. “By providing this site and co-ordinating the Hamilton child care centre’s development, the City has taken an important step forward in achieving its vision.”

“The Society of Richmond Children’s Centres has had the strategic goal of expansion for five years now,” said Orth. “It feels great to move from planning to doing.”

Since 2001, the B.C. government has funded the creation of more than 3,300 licensed child care spaces in communities throughout the province. Almost 1,500 of these spaces are in the process of being developed.