New Valleycliffe childcare facility to deliver 36 licensed spaces for Squamish families

Families in Squamish will soon benefit from 36 new full-time childcare spaces as construction nears completion on the Mén̓mens ta smánit: Childcare facility, a purpose-built centre co-located at Valleycliffe Elementary School.

The Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) name bestowed by the Nation for the childcare centre is Mén̓mens ta smánit. This name reflects the nearby mountain Siy’ám’ Smánit (The Stawamus Chief), and suggests that the children belong to that mountain, or are under its care. To respectfully learn how to pronounce and hear the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh pronunciation of Mén̓mens ta smánit, visit: squamish.ca/menmens

The project is funded with over $2.5 million through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, which is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. British Columbia and the federal government signed an extension to the Agreement from 2026-2027 to 2030-2031.

The project is also supported by a $910,000 financial contribution from the District of Squamish through the Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) reserve, funded by developer contributions. 

The facility is being delivered in partnership with School District No. 48 (Sea to Sky) and the Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCS). The new Mén̓mens ta smánit Childcare Centre will offer two programs with a total of 36 spaces: Honeybees, with 12 infant and toddler spaces for ages 12 to 36 months and Hummingbirds, with 24 spaces for children ages 30 months to school age.

The new centre is helping to close the gap in local childcare access and aligns with the District’s strategic goal of increasing childcare access in line with the Child Care Strategy and Action Plan and integrating childcare facilities on municipal sites and near neighbourhood centres, schools, seniors’ centres, and parks where possible.

Sea to Sky Community Services, which has served the Sea to Sky Corridor for more than 45 years, will operate the new centre. SSCS currently provides childcare at six school sites across the School District, including after-school care at Valleycliffe Elementary School. With 45 staff supporting 11 programs, SSCS is well-positioned to deliver high-quality care that meets the needs of local families.

Construction of the centre is nearing completion this summer, with a community celebration planned for September 2025.

No matter the child care option parents choose, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides direct, tax-free support, helping about 3.5 million families, including over 6 million children every year. While families can use the benefit however they need, for many it significantly reduces the burden of child care expenses – in some cases, cutting them entirely thanks to federal, provincial, and territorial investments to reduce child care fees in the Canada-wide ELCC system.


Quotes

“In the same way that Siy’ám’ Smánit is central to the community and provides so much for its people, this new child care centre will provide local families with safe spaces where their children can learn and grow. Squamish families will benefit immensely from these 36 much-needed spaces, which have been created through our strong partnerships with the Sea to Sky School District and Community Services Society. We know that delivering access to high-quality, affordable child care means that working parents, single parents, and especially women, are able to stay in the workforce or return to school, directly helping families and supporting the local economy, all while their children are learning in a nurturing, supportive environment.”
 - Rohini Arora, B.C. parliamentary secretary for child care


“When we invest in our children, we invest into the future of our country. The addition of these new child care spaces in Squamish will give parents a choice, and support children in reaching their full potential. High-quality, affordable and inclusive child care will make a big difference and support the younger generation.”
- Patty Hajdu, federal Minster of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario


“We’re thrilled to see this long-needed facility come to life in the Valleycliffe neighbourhood. This project reflects the vision laid out in our Child Care Action Plan and responds directly to the needs identified in our Child Care Needs Assessment. The District of Squamish has long advocated for increased childcare in our community, and these additional spaces will help more families access quality childcare. While we know there's still much work ahead to fully meet the needs of Squamish families, this marks a meaningful and exciting step forward."
- Mayor, Armand Hurford, District of Squamish

“This new childcare centre represents meaningful progress in supporting Squamish families. By offering 36 new licensed spaces for children aged 12 months to 12 years, we're helping to create more opportunities for children to grow, learn, and thrive in a nurturing environment. As both a service provider and a member of this community, I'm proud that Sea to Sky Community Services is contributing to a stronger foundation for families in our region."

- Jaye Russell, Executive Director, Sea to Sky Community Services


“We’re thrilled to see this wonderful facility come to life in the Valleycliffe neighbourhood, situated at Valleycliffe Elementary School. We’re grateful for the strong partnership with the District of Squamish and Sea to Sky Community Services Society in making this vision a reality. This collaborative project reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting families and improving access to quality childcare.”
- Chris Nicholson, Superintendent of Schools, School District No. 48 (Sea to Sky)

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July 23, 2025