The finger paints, chalk and story books are out at the new Cranberry Children’s Centre in Hamilton.
The centre, which provides 34 spaces of licensed childcare for infants, toddlers and children up to six-years-old, had its official opening Saturday.
“The city is proud this new important facility will provide quality child care in the Hamilton community,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
Operated by the Society of Richmond Children’s Centres, the facility at 23591 Westminster Hwy. has 3,400 sq. ft. of indoor space and 21,232 sq. ft. of outdoor space, which includes the surface parking lot.
A public art piece called Cranberry Critters is incorporated into sections of the facility’s wooden perimeter fence.
Created by artists Ron Hart and Michael Fugeta, a selection of vertical pickets were replaced by colourful steel pickets topped with outlines of various animals.
The figures are designed to help populate the playground by offering a variety of forms and shadows to “promote learning, imagination and play.”
Cranberry Children’s Centre is the sixth City of Richmond-owned, purpose-built childcare facility in Richmond.
Related to a rezoning process, TransLink provided a community amenity contribution of a 2.43-acre site and $1.77 million to assist with construction costs. Western Financial Group also provided a $5,000 infrastructure grant.
Four more childcare facilities and one early childhood development hub have been secured through rezoning processes at: Parc Riviera; Cadence; River Green; The Gardens and Pinnacle Living at Capstan Village.
Combined, the new facilities are expected to add 217 spaces for childcare in Richmond.
