Access to affordable, quality child care continues to be a challenge in Kamloops, affecting families, children, and the broader community. To address this, the City of Kamloops is developing a Child Care Action Plan aimed at improving the accessibility, affordability, inclusivity, and quality of child care for families with children aged 12 and under.

While child care is primarily a provincial responsibility, the City plays a vital role in supporting local solutions through planning, partnerships, and advocacy. This new plan builds on the 2019 Community Child Care Planning Program and will provide an updated, community-driven strategy for the future.

To ensure the plan reflects the real needs of Kamloops families, the City is inviting parents, caregivers, and child care providers to complete a short survey and share their experiences and challenges. The surveys will be open from September 24 to October 13, 2025. Paper surveys will be available at City Hall (7 Victoria Street West).

Feedback received will help guide local actions and strategies, ensuring that child care in Kamloops is responsive to the diverse needs of families and supports a resilient, inclusive community.

“It’s not a secret that families in Kamloops have challenges seeking child care,” said Natasha Hartson, the City’s Social, Housing, and Community Development Manager. “Waitlists are long, spaces are limited, and many parents or caregivers are forced to make difficult choices about work and family life. This survey is a chance for the community to speak up and help shape meaningful solutions.”

In addition to the survey, child care providers, early childhood educators, and support providers will be invited to participate in targeted engagement sessions later this fall, hosted by the City’s Social and Community Development team.

The Child Care Action Plan will:

• clarify the City’s role in supporting child care
• identify strategies for community coordination and information sharing
• highlight advocacy opportunities with other levels of government
• outline specific actions the City can take within its control

To learn more and take the survey, visit LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/ChildCare.