Vernon and neighbouring Coldstream will receive more than 70 new before- and after-school child care spaces as part of a provincial expansion that creates over 1,200 spaces across British Columbia, provincial officials say.
Local relief for shift workers and parents
The new spaces are intended to be located directly in schools, offering parents — particularly those who do shift work or provide essential services — greater flexibility and peace of mind, according to the provincial announcement accompanying the rollout.
"Having worked shift work and in healthcare throughout my career, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find childcare outside school hours. Too many parents are forced to choose between work and their families because the options simply aren’t there. Bringing before- and after-school care directly into schools in Vernon and Coldstream will be life-changing for so many families. It means more flexibility, less stress, and peace of mind for parents, especially those working shifts and providing essential services in our community."
The statement highlights the particular challenge of non-standard hours when school-day programming does not align with parents' shifts, a common issue in health care and other essential services sectors in Vernon.
Funding and supports
The capital and operating supports announced for this expansion include provincial investments channelled through multiple ministries and programs. School districts will be able to draw on funds to offset operating costs and to assist with start-up expenses such as training and equipment.
| Program | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Infrastructure | $5 million | Establishing the new child care spaces (part of provincial capital investment) |
| Ministry of Education and Child Care (operating) | $20 million | Operating support to school districts over three years |
| Startup supports | $2 million | Staff training, equipment and related costs |
| Board-operated child care program funding | $2.9 million | Funds to create more board-operated programs; applications to open in the fall |
Officials say the $2.9-million allocation to expand board-operated child care will be accessible through an application process beginning in the fall. The announcement did not provide a breakdown of how many of the more than 70 spaces would be in Vernon versus Coldstream, or which specific school sites will host the new programming.
What this means for the community
For parents in Vernon, the placement of care inside school facilities can reduce commute time between work and child care, lower transportation challenges and help families coordinate schedules around school and extracurricular activities. For employers and the local economy, expanded child care access can support workforce stability, particularly in health care, retail and services that rely on shift schedules.
- More than 70 new before- and after-school spaces planned for Vernon and Coldstream.
- Part of a provincial expansion creating 1,200+ spaces across B.C.
- Funding includes capital and operating supports totalling at least $29.9 million across multiple streams.
School boards will play a central role in implementing the in-school programs. The provincial supports aim to reduce financial barriers to operating these programs for districts, while the startup funding is targeted at practical needs such as staff training and equipment.
Questions remain for many parents and staff about location specifics, staffing models, age ranges covered by the before- and after-school care and the timeline for openings. The application window for board-operated program funding in the fall will likely clarify how many of the new spaces will be directly operated by school districts versus community partners.
As Vernon navigates growth and the needs of working families, placing child care inside schools is one of several policy tools aimed at improving access and affordability. Observers say the approach may also make it easier to coordinate with existing school routines and facilities, while school districts across the region prepare to consider proposals under the new provincial supports.
Provincial officials framed the announcement as a tangible step to make child care more workable for families who currently balance shift work and school schedules; local families and district administrators will be watching for the fall application details and specific site plans.
