The City of New Westminster's efforts on the childcare front have been recognized by the provincial government.
The city is the recipient of the 2012 Child Care Award of Excellence in the Local Government category. The award is presented by the British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development and recognizes recipients that "exemplify excellence, going above and beyond to help young children grow and explore."
"This award recognizes our city's commitment to child care and the excellent work of the early and middle childhood development committees," Mayor Wayne Wright said in a press release. "Investments in our children today pay dividends well into the future and we're proud to play a part in that."
Coun. Jaimie McEvoy and John Stark, the city's senior social planner, accepted the award on the city's behalf from the Children and Family Development Minister Mary McNeil at a recent awards luncheon.
In 2008, New Westminster city council pledged its commitment to being a leader and active partner in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive childcare system. City council approved the development of a child-care needs assessment in 2008, which was followed by a strategy in 2009 and step-by-step guide in 2010. The city has also established a child-care reserve fund and grant program, is completing work on its first civic child-care facility and has signed a child-care protocol with the New Westminster School District. As well, two child development hubs, anchored by licensed child care, are also progressing and two others are in the planning stages.
According to the City of New Westminster, the city has experienced a net gain of 324 licensed child-care spaces since 2008, which equates to a 27 per cent increase. A press release states that 197 of these were created as a result of city actions, including development variance permits, lease of city-owned property or rezoning.
The provincial government holds the B.C. Child Care Awards of Excellence and Child Care Legacy Awards in May to celebrate Child Care Month in B.C. In addition to local governments, the awards also recognize outstanding contributions made by child-care professionals, individuals and organizations that support child-care initiatives in their communities.
"B.C.'s child-care and early learning professionals are a dedicated, caring group - and they bring such energy and enthusiasm to their jobs," McNeil said in a press release. "The Child Care Awards of Excellence and Legacy Awards celebrate extraordinary contributions to children and families, and I would like to personally congratulate all of the recipients."
Ten child-care providers, organizations and municipalities were awarded 2012 Child Care Awards of Excellence.
tmcmanus@royalcityrecord.com
