Squamish StrongStart program to be hosted temporarily at The 55 during upgrades

StrongStart BC, the provincial play-based early learning program, will operate out of The 55 Activity Centre beginning in January. Sea to Sky Community Services will continue to operate the program and The 55 will be used until required upgrades are made within their current space, anticipated to be May 2020. The children’s program will be accommodated without affecting existing 55+ programming.

“This as an opportunity for the District to lend support to a critical early childhood education program that benefits a wide range of families by offering space currently not being used to its full capacity,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott.  “We also recognize the importance of The 55 Activity Centre to many seniors in our community, and will continue to ensure it remains an inviting and inclusive space for them to enjoy. We hope everyone sees the benefit of sharing this space temporarily and ensuring the youngest members of our community also see no interruption in their programming while necessary upgrades are made to their space.”

Funded by School District 48, StrongStart BC is a free drop-in program that provides a wide range of families with early childhood development support.

The 55 Activity Centre was re-positioned in 2017 with expanded hours and a broader programming focus to better serve Squamish’s diverse adult population at what was considered an under-utilized facility. While daytime programming has remained exclusive to the needs of the 55+ population, evening and weekend programming was expanded to accommodate all adults 19+.  There is still opportunity to achieve greater attendance levels at the facility.

Learn more about The 55 Activity Centre including hours, programs and location.


Learn more about StrongStart BC. 

December 23, 2019

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Comments

  • Andrea Gailus Jan 6, 2020, 3:50 PM (4 years ago)

    No program space already occupied by groups during the hours of 9 - 4 should be bumped. The space is first and foremost for 55 and up during the day. Please find another space for StrongStart. It is an important program for toddlers and is NOT appropriate to have it at the 55 and cancel already active groups.

  • Bill Berg Jan 3, 2020, 2:19 PM (4 years ago)

    Supporting Child Education is a positive initiative and should be supported.

    Yet when it takes place in a location at a time that is exclusively reserved, by Councils written policy, for Senior activities it is wrong.
    It is wrong when it happens without the Seniors / Users having any input in the decision and how it effects them.
    The Idea that You can have an other time, after the decision has been made, is just not good enough.
    Consultation ahead of time would be a better option, which at this facility has never happened. You might instruct Staff to try it.

    Just consider if the roles were reversed would You even think of acting this way.

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