Langley City, B.C.—Families in Langley City now have better access to local, affordable child care with the reopening of the Douglas Recreation and Child Care Centre, adding 75 new licensed child care spaces and expanding recreation programming in the community.
The renovated facility helps reduce waitlists and supports parents and caregivers by providing child care closer to home, making it easier to balance work, family, and daily life. The centre offers licensed infant and toddler care, before- and after-school programs for school-age children, City-run licensed preschool, and community recreation programming under one roof.
Beyond child care, the centre will serve as a shared community space for residents of all ages, with recreation programs for children, adults, and seniors that include arts, camps, and active play.
“We understand that reliable child care makes a big difference for families,” said Mayor Nathan Pachal, Langley City. “This re-opening means more options, shorter waitlists, and everyday support for parents and caregivers. It’s about strengthening neighbourhoods and making Langley City a place where families can live, work, and thrive now and in the future.”
Renovations to the Douglas Recreation and Child Care Centre began in fall 2024 and were completed in early 2026, transforming the former recreation facility into a modern, multi-use space designed to support growing child care and recreation needs in the community. The project delivers priorities set out in the City’s Child Care Action Plan, which guides long-term efforts to expand access to child care as the community grows. The renovation also supports priorities in the City’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Plan, including improvements to facility space and expanded capacity for childminding and community programming.
This project represents a total investment of $5.07 million and was made possible through more than $4.3 million in joint provincial and federal funding from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund and $600,000 in funding from Langley City, highlighting the importance of working together to support families.
The New Spaces Fund is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the Canada-British Columbia Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, which has been extended until 2030-2031.
“Bringing child care and recreation under one roof will create a welcoming community hub for so many families in Langley,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “The Douglas Recreation and Child Care Centre will give children a safe place to learn and play while helping parents access the care they need closer to home. This is another wonderful example of how our investments in child care strengthen communities and help children and families thrive.”
“Affordable child care is making a real difference for BC families,” said Anna Gainey, Canada’s Secretary of State for Children and Youth. “The 75 new child care spaces in Langley City will get families off waitlists and ensure children the best start in life.”
The Douglas Recreation and Child Care Centre is operated in partnership with the YMCA BC. Langley City owns the facility and continues to deliver recreation programming and the Cookie Monster Preschool program alongside licensed child care.
Expanding access to child care and recreation opportunities remains a key priority for Langley City as it continues to build a complete, family-friendly community.
No matter which child care option parents choose, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides direct, tax-free support, helping about 3.5 million families every year, including more than 450,000 families in B.C. While families can use the benefit however they need, for many it significantly reduces the burden of child care expenses, in some cases cutting them entirely thanks to federal, provincial, and territorial investments to reduce child care fees in the Canada wide early learning and child care system.
Learn more about the Langley City Child Care Plan and Parks, Recreation and Culture Plan.
Media Contact:
Ram Chungh
Manager, Communications and Public Engagement
604.240.3101
rchungh@langleycity.ca
Douglas Recreation and Child Care Centre reopens with new childcare spaces and expanded recreation opportunities for all ages
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