The children belong to the mountain.
That’s the meaning behind the name for a new child-care facility nearing completion at Valleycliffe Elementary, which will provide 36 spots for Squamish families.
Called Mén̓mens ta smánit child care centre, the name was inspired by the proximity to the nearby Stawamus Chief (Siy’ám’ Smánit) and bestowed by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). It suggests that the children there are under its benevolent gaze and care.
“In the same way that Siy’ám’ Smánit is central to the community and provides so much for its people, this new child care centre will provide local families with safe spaces where their children can learn and grow,” said Rohini Arora, B.C. parliamentary secretary for child care, in a release.
“We know that delivering access to high-quality, affordable child care means that working parents, single parents, and especially women, are able to stay in the workforce or return to school, directly helping families and supporting the local economy, all while their children are learning in a nurturing, supportive environment.”
The facility is made possible by both provincial and federal funding, with $2.5 million coming from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. The District of Squamish contributed $910,000 through the community amenity contribution (CAC) reserve.
Mén̓mens ta smánit child care centre will offer two programs with a total of 36 spaces: Honeybees, with 12 infant and toddler spaces for ages 12 to 36 months, and Hummingbirds, with 24 spaces for children aged 30 months to school age.
Sea to Sky Community Services will operate the new centre. SSCS currently provides child care at six school sites across the school district, including after-school care at Valleycliffe Elementary. With 45 staff supporting 11 programs, SSCS is well-positioned to deliver high-quality care that meets the needs of local families, the release states.
A community celebration for the centre is planned for September 2025.
According to Mayor Armand Hurford, this facility will address an urgent need.
“We’re thrilled to see this long-needed facility come to life in the Valleycliffe neighbourhood. This project reflects the vision laid out in our Child Care Action Plan and responds directly to the needs identified in our Child Care Needs Assessment,” he said, in the release.
“The District of Squamish has long advocated for increased child care in our community, and these additional spaces will help more families access quality child care. While we know there's still much work ahead to fully meet the needs of Squamish families, this marks a meaningful and exciting step forward."
