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MACL-operated child care centre breaks ground in Mission

Collaborative project with province, city expected to be completed next year
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Mission Association of Community Living CEO Dawn Hein speaks at a ground-breaking ceremony for a new child care centre in the Cedar Valley.

A 67-space child care centre broke ground in Mission on Monday (June 24). 

The province, City of Mission, and Mission Association for Community Living (MACL) announced the new centre at 33083 Tunbridge Avenue, which will also serve as a Child and Youth Excellence Hub.

Construction on the facility is expected to be completed next year.

MACL CEO Dawn Hein says the organization is thrilled to open the new space. 

“Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that meets the diverse needs of families in our community, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive,” Hein said in a news release. 

The City of Mission sold MACL the land in the Cedar Valley at a discounted price and provided project financing. Construction of the child care centre will be funded by grants from the Province’s ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund and UBCM. 

Services for individuals with developmental disabilities, children who require extra support, and their families will be provided on the first floor of the two-floor building. 

The second floor will be home to the Child and Youth Excellence Hub operated by both MACL and the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre. The hub will provide child and family services including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language pathology, behaviour support, early intervention, child development and family support.

"What that means for families is that they'll be able to get those supports in Mission without having to drive to Abbotsford," Hein said. 

Hein says demand for such services is high in the Fraser Valley. She said the 67 child care spaces will likely be filled on a first-come, first serve basis with a number of spaces reserved for children with extra support needs. 

“Council is extremely proud to see this project moving forward,” Mission Mayor Paul Horn said in a news release.  “We have heard from our neighbours that there is a dramatic shortage of quality child care, and that there is a need to offer more services in the Cedar Valley area.”

Horn also credited local MLAs Pam Alexis and Bob D’Eith for their support on the project. .

“With so much of Mission commuting outside of the community each and every day, additional child-care spaces are essential in supporting parents and children with extra needs,” Alexis said. 
 

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About the Author: Mission City Record Staff

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