Media Release - West Vancouver Recognized as Child Care Leader
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011 - The District of West Vancouver has been honoured with the Province of British Columbia’s Child Care Award of Excellence for exceptional service to British Columbia’s children and families in the category of municipal government. Minister of Children and Family Development, Mary McNeil, presented the Chair of the District’s Child Care Service Working Group, Joanne McKenna, and Leanne Sexsmith, Manager of Community Development, Youth and Families, with the award at today’s luncheon celebration in Vancouver.
Chair McKenna says: “This award is a significant honour for West Vancouver and recognizes our community’s commitment to our children. As a community we have made real strides and achieved something truly special together.”
Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones says: “West Vancouver Council has made child care a focused priority over the past four years. We are responding to community priorities and keeping current by redeveloping old buildings and park sites in partnership with the Province in service to our most important citizens… our children.”
Councillor Michael Smith, Council’s lead on the Child Care Services Working Group, says: “Our success is the result of the collaborative efforts and hard work of the community, staff, Council and the Province to address the critical shortage of child care spaces in West Vancouver. Thank you to all the hard work of staff and volunteers in bringing the recommendations of the working group to life.”
To learn more about the Child Care Award of Excellence, please visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/awards/municipal_regional.htm
About Child Care in West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver established the Child Care Services Working Group, to actively engage residents, community partners, Council and staff in identifying strategies, and implementing initiatives which support the delivery of quality, accessible child care in our community. This has resulted in significant accomplishments over the past three years, including updates to municipal bylaws and policies, the creation of two new child care facilities – Gordon House and Ambleside Park Child Care Centres, and the development of the West Vancouver Community Centre Campus Child and Family Hub. Most recently, West Vancouver adopted a five year Child Care Plan which will set the direction for future policies and initiatives.
About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government and hone to more than 44,000 residents. West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.
Media Contact:
Jessica Delaney, Director of Communications
District of West Vancouver
Direct: 604-925-4736
Cell: 604-360-8131