Rendering of a childcare centre on the rooftop of a school

City and Province open new childcare at Henry Hudson Elementary in Kitsilano

October 16 2025 –

Families in Kitsilano now have access to a new, non-profit childcare centre at their local school with the opening of Maple Childcare — a purpose-built facility on the rooftop of Henry Hudson Elementary. 

The $12.7 million childcare centre was jointly funded by the City of Vancouver ($9.7 million) and the Province of BC ($3 million), with space provided by the Vancouver School Board (VSB) as part of the school’s seismically upgraded building. 

“The opening of Maple Childcare marks another milestone in our commitment to making high-quality, affordable childcare accessible to all families in Vancouver,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “We’re proud to work with the Province and the Vancouver School Board to expand access to childcare and strengthen neighbourhoods across our city.” 

The 11,000-square foot facility includes 65 spaces for children aged 0 to 5, along with after-school care for up to 30 school-aged children. Following a competitive process, the City selected Kitsilano Neighbourhood House to operate the centre.

Continued expansion of childcare in Vancouver

Maple Childcare is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to expanding high-quality, affordable childcare across Vancouver. Since City Council’s adoption of Making Strides: Vancouver’s 10-year Childcare Strategy in 2022, the City has made significant progress developing childcare and finding innovative ways to help implement the Provincial and Federal Governments' vision of a universal early care and learning system. Since the strategy was approved by Council in 2022, more than 2,000 new childcare spaces have become operational.

This growth includes the following recently opened and upcoming City-facilitated childcare centres:

  • Marpole Neighbourhood House Childcare at David Lloyd George Elementary School (opened May 2024 in South Vancouver)
  • Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Childcare at Eric Hamber Secondary School (opened May 2025 in South Cambie)
  • Maple Childcare at Henry Hudson Elementary (opened fall 2025 in Kitsilano)
  • Salmon Stone Childcare Centre (opening soon in West Fraserlands – South Vancouver)
  • Childcare at the new elementary school in Coal Harbour (opening soon in Downtown)
  • Childcare at Oakridge Civic Centre (opening soon in Oakridge area)  

Building childcare through strong partnerships

The City and the VSB continue to collaborate on bringing innovative childcare to city schools. As part of the VSB's seismic replacement program and new school builds, the VSB, with funding from the City and senior government partners, has been able to build childcare facilities on seven school rooftops, creating a convenient “one-stop hub” for families. 

“Investing in childcare is investing in the future of our communities,” said Brenda Bailey, MLA for Vancouver-South Granville. “We’re pleased to support this new centre and other improvements at Henry Hudson Elementary, which will help more families access the care they need close to home.”

“The opening of this rooftop childcare centre reflects the Vancouver School Board’s commitment to supporting and strengthening our communities,” said Victoria Jung, Chair of the Vancouver School Board. “By reimagining how we use school spaces, we are creating opportunities that benefit children today and building a brighter future for Vancouver families.” 

“At the heart of the Neighbourhood House movement is connection, and at the heart of our childcare approach is reciprocity – the belief that every child, educator and family has something to give and something to learn from one another,” said Teddy Chan, Executive Director, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. “We know the need for childcare in our community is great, and we’re honoured to expand Kitsilano Neighbourhood House’s ability to serve more children and families at this new centre. Every day, these new spaces are filled with learning, laughter and connection — children growing and thriving, families connecting and a real sense of community taking shape.”

Childcare for strong communities

Affordable, high-quality childcare is essential for families, communities and Vancouver’s workforce. Childcare further promotes gender equity; without accessible childcare, many families struggle to live and work in Vancouver. The City remains committed to expanding access to affordable childcare, ensuring everyone in Vancouver can learn, work and thrive. 

Notwithstanding these upcoming childcare openings, Vancouver still faces a shortage of childcare compared to the need, and City staff continue to work with partners and senior government to expand childcare options for families.