The Southeast Kootenay School District (the “District”) is joining forces with ʔaq ̓ am and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) to create a new child care facility at the Amy Woodland Elementary School site in Cranbrook.
The project is located at 911 6th Street South and is planned as a stand-alone modular building on the east side of the Amy Woodland Elementary School site.
Supported by Distinctions Based Space Creation Funding under the ChildCareBC Plan and the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the project will expand access to high-quality, inclusive child care while supporting culturally grounded early learning for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children and families, along with families across Cranbrook and the surrounding area.
“The District is excited about the creation of these new spaces, which are designed to support the well-being of children and help meet the child care needs of families across the District,” said Doug McPhee, Board Chairperson, the Southeast Kootenay School District.
It will include eight infant/toddler spaces, 16 spaces for children ages three to five, and 10 after-school care spaces, for a total of 34 child care spaces.
This project is not related to the rebuilding or repair plans for the existing Amy Woodland Elementary School.
MNBC will lead the planning, financing, development, and construction of the facility. The District and MNBC will jointly select a non-profit child care operator through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
The partnership also includes commitments to culturally informed design and support for the recruitment of ʔaq ̓ am and Métis staff, Elders, and educators.
“I first want to acknowledge and thank ʔaq ̓ am for their leadership, generosity, and support in bringing this important initiative forward,” said Minister Debra Fisher, Minister of Education, Métis Nation British Columbia.
“It is truly exciting to see this vision becoming a reality for children and families in Cranbrook and the surrounding community.”
The project is targeted for completion in spring 2027.
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