Council approves partnering agreement for new childcare spaces at Strawberry Hill Hall

Surrey, BC – During the Regular Council Meeting on June 24, Surrey City Council approved Partnering, License and Operating Agreements with Alexandra Neighbourhood House for 25 new licensed childcare spaces at Strawberry Hill Hall.

"As we strive to create a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, we must recognize the importance of accessible childcare for working families,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The agreement for childcare services at Strawberry Hill Hall is a significant step forward in this effort. By providing 25 new spaces, we are not only supporting the well-being of our children but also enabling parents to pursue their careers and contribute to our community's economic growth. I am proud of this partnership with Alexandra Neighbourhood House and look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make in the lives of Surrey families."

In 2019, the City received over $425,000 through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund to renovate Strawberry Hill Hall at 12152 75 Avenue for expanded childcare services. In 2021, the Strawberry Hill Hall was undergoing renovations when a fire caused extensive damage to the building. The building was reconstructed and is expected to be complete by the end of Summer. The renovations will provide provision for 25 new licensed childcare spaces for children ages 3 to 5 and an adjacent outdoor play area at R.A. Nicholson Park. The Partnering, License and Operating Agreements have been approved by Council and will ensure the childcare facility is operated in a manner that is acceptable to the City.

“We know access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care is life-changing for families, which is why increasing access is a focus of our ChildCareBC plan,” said Harry Bains, MLA, Surrey-Newton. “These new child care spaces will benefit local Surrey families and be a welcome addition to our community for years to come.”

With BC's largest youth population, Surrey has over 15,600 licensed childcare spaces. The City currently hosts a total of five licensed childcare sites providing 203 full-time spaces. There are also an additional eight sites in progress to create a total of 285 more spaces for local children. The new spaces at Strawberry Hill Hall are part of these new sites and will provide 25 new spaces. The City has secured over $18.6M in Provincial funding over the last two years to expand childcare in Surrey and spaces have increased by 88% since 2022.