The Village of Pemberton (VOP) and Pemberton Child Care Society board of directors have released a joint statement addressing ongoing delays in the daycare expansion's opening, citing structural issues.
“While significant progress has been made, unforeseen challenges have delayed the full opening of the facility,” read the release. “A warranty inspection identified concerns related to the HVAC system, a roof leak and the need for further assessment of areas impacted by previous water exposure.
“While initial mitigation efforts were completed, recent testing indicated that further work is required to ensure the facility meets the highest standards for a safe operating environment.”
The long-awaited daycare expansion in Pemberton was originally slated to open on Sept. 3, 2024, after being in the works for about five years.
In 2019, the VOP made daycare expansion a strategic priority. The Village then received $2,771,000 for 50 child care spaces through the ChildCare BC New Spaces Fund for the expansion in April 2022, and site prep work began later that year; however, after a funding shortfall emerged, the VOP applied for supplementary funding. A further $800,000 was awarded as a result in early 2023.
The expansion’s construction required relocating the Nature Play Park and Playscape next to the Pemberton & District Community Centre, sparking concern over a reduction in green space in the village.
A week out from the opening, the centre posted that the timeline would be pushed back and that parents on the waitlist had yet to be contacted. The post confirmed the facility would only open once it receives a license under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, the facility is safely operational, and has a confirmed opening date.
The daycare received its Community Care and Assisted Living Act license on Jan. 2 for an initial capacity of 25 students, with an expansion to the full 50-student capacity once additional staff are secured.
The VOP is working with the Pemberton Child Care Society board to put together a remediation plan, with the work on the centre expected to begin in the upcoming weeks, according to the statement.
Housing for future employees remains a challenge. In 2024, the centre asked for the community’s help finding affordable housing for its staff. It renewed that call for support in its most recent statement.
“If community members are aware of any opportunities that could help support housing for daycare educators and staff, please reach out to the Pemberton Children’s Centre management via email at [email protected],” the statement said.
Future updates will be published “as more information becomes available,” according to the release.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work toward the successful opening of this much-needed facility and expansion of services of the Pemberton Children’s Centre,” it said.
