Terrace families will soon have more options when it comes to child care, thanks to new funding through the Northern Healthy Communities Fund.
The city will receive $228,400 for its Infrastructure Development Technician Project, but the biggest impact will come from the addition of 26 additional spaces for local child care as part of a 5.6 million dollar investment that was announced for 18 northern British Columbia projects.
The government said that funds will help municipalities, such as Terrace, keep up with the population growth that comes with widespread industrial development like LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink. The Northern Healthy Communities Fund supports initiatives that build on housing, health care, child care, and emergency services for communities undergoing rapid change.
Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Christine Boyle said the goal is to achieve a more sustainable way of life in northern municipalities.
“When families and individuals have access to better services close to home, it means more opportunities and more time together,” Boyle said.
“As northern communities have grown, we’ve invested in people by helping them stay connected, cared for, and safe in their communities.”
In Terrace, the expansion of child care space will not only create extra space but also increase the range of ages served, helping parents with children of all ages to find care close to home. The province said that increasing local access to licensed care helps working families and ensures children can learn and play in a safe, high-quality environment.
Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, said the province’s partnership with local governments and non-profits is necessary to address these needs.
“From child care to emergency services, people depend on local programs that are close to home,” Anderson said.
“We’re collaborating with local governments, First Nations and community partners who understand their region’s unique needs, ensuring northern B.C. communities have the resources they need to stay strong and connected.”
The Northern Healthy Communities Fund, run by the Northern Development Initiative Trust, has supported around 130 local projects since 2021, with over 25 million dollars in funding.
In Terrace, the new child care spaces and City staffing project fall under the housing and wrap-around services category, in hopes of improving access to essential services as the community grows.
