Lynn Creek Community Centre to add childcare spaces

Families in Lynn Valley and the Lower Lynn area will soon have more childcare options close to home.

The province announced that 37 new affordable childcare spaces are now available at the Lynn Creek Community Centre in North Vancouver. The childcare program is operated by Parkgate Community Services Society and opened earlier this year.

The announcement was made on October 17 during a press conference at the centre. It comes as part of a broader provincial investment creating more than 950 new childcare spaces across 14 communities in B.C. The expansion is funded through a $34-million partnership between the provincial and federal governments, which has been extended until 2031.

The Lynn Creek program includes 12 spaces for infants and toddlers and 25 spaces for preschool-aged children. Fees are reduced through the provincial government’s Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, helping make childcare more accessible for families who may have faced barriers in the past.

The program is aimed at supporting families with young children, including single parents and those living in underserved areas. For many Lynn Valley families, finding childcare close to home has long been a challenge, with waitlists and rising costs pushing parents to look outside their neighbourhoods.

Parents say the new centre has already made a difference. One parent with a child enrolled at the Lynn Creek Childcare Centre said access to affordable, high-quality care has brought stability and balance to their family’s routine. They added that seeing their child excited to attend each morning has been especially meaningful.

Local representatives say the investment reflects the needs of a growing community. North Vancouver–Seymour MLA Susie Chant called the expansion “great news” and said Lynn Valley continues to be a strong place for families to put down roots.

Early childhood educators at the centre say the funding has also improved the quality of care. New equipment and resources have allowed staff to create more engaging learning environments for children. One educator said being trusted by families and playing a role in their daily lives has been deeply rewarding.

The childcare spaces are housed within the Lynn Creek Community Recreation Centre, a new District-owned facility located at 1491 Hunter Street, near Mountain Highway and Seylynn Park. The centre officially opened in April and sits within the developing Lynn Creek Town Centre, just minutes from Lynn Valley neighbourhoods.

Beyond childcare, the recreation centre offers a full-sized gymnasium, multipurpose rooms for community programs, family and youth spaces, and an express library operated by North Vancouver District Public Libraries. The building is designed to be pedestrian- and bike-friendly, with underground parking available for visitors.