New Westminster, B.C. – The City of New Westminster is pleased to announce the opening of a new licensed school-age child care facility at Queensborough Community Centre. Funding to retrofit the space was provided by the Province of B.C.’s ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund grant. The new school-age program is operated by the YMCA and can accommodate 24 children.

“Child care is an ongoing need in our growing city, but this need is especially urgent in the Queensborough neighbourhood, which is the least resourced area of the city for school age-care,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “The City of New Westminster thanks the Province of B.C. for its funding contribution that helped create these much-needed affordable non-profit child care spaces.”

The YMCA Kids Club’s location in Queensborough Community Centre was previously used by a preschool-age care provider, who relocated in spring 2023 to a different City-owned facility; the provincial grant provided $47,566 for the cost of retrofitting, equipping, and furnishing the community centre’s space for school-age care, and the City provided $1726 for additional furnishings.

"This new child care centre aligns with our commitment to create access to quality, inclusive child care for families who need it,” said Grace Lore, Minister of State for Child Care. “With before-and-after-school child care right across the street from the school grounds, parents and guardians have less to worry about during their busy days.”

YMCA Kids Club licensed before-and-after-school care programs offer children a safe and welcoming environment to connect with others and participate in productive and enjoyable activities. Queensborough parents interested in registering their children can apply online: gv.ymca.ca/child-care

A grand opening celebration with facility tour will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 – 6:30 pm. Families who are interested in registering their child are encouraged to attend. Visit the event listing for details.

Since 2010, the City has facilitated almost 1,200 non-profit and for-profit child care spaces and continues to focus its efforts on creating new child care spaces. The City has received Provincial ChildCareBC New Spaces Funding for several child care projects being constructed in the City, including the upcoming infant/toddler and preschool-age child care facility at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, set to open in 2024.

- 30 -

Media Contacts:

Ashleigh Young
Manager of Communications
City of New Westminster
604-527-4559 or

Anur Mehdic
Social Planner
City of New Westminster
604-515-3792 |