The Town of Qualicum Beach has begun construction on the “Into the Woods Early Learning Studio,” which will create 37 spaces for children aged three to kindergarten.
The studio, expected to open in early 2022, will provide a new 3,269 square-foot childcare centre with an outdoor play area, to be located within the town-owned community park.
“We are very pleased with the progress of this much needed childcare space in town. This is a community project where local residents gave the town valuable input on the initial design, resulting in a site plan that will be safe and convenient for everyone.”
The facility will be located on approximately half of the parking lot accessed from Park Road and half on the forested area between the parking lot and Dorset Road, according to a media release from the town.
The adjacent forest is a major feature of the project and will be used as a natural play area, the town said. Tree removal for construction will be completed by Sept. 29 and the remaining trees will be retained.
Town council approved, at its June 16 meeting, the building design and site plan, as modified by making the secondary entrance from Burnham Road only for emergency vehicles.
The town was awarded almost $2 million in provincial funding in 2020 to build the space.
