….  “What we hear in the community is the demand (for childcare) so exceeds the supply,” she said.

A 2007 needs assessment survey found the North Shore lacking in affordable childcare spaces and described a local “childcare crisis.”

A West Vancouver working group formed that year targeted the “hub” concept, where service providers team up with existing infrastructure like community centres, commercial facilities and libraries to share resources.

Last year council amended bylaws enabling daycares to operate in commercial buildings and to help resolve traffic complaints about daycares in residential neighbourhoods.

Capital funding grants from the Ministry of Children and Family Development provided $223,300 to renovate municipal spaces….

…. Next the working group will submit a municipal childcare plan and recommendations to council that will “look at the bigger picture – building on that hub concept and expanding in the community,” said Sexsmith.

“This council and the past council, we’re completely committed to this and want to continue the momentum that really started with parents,” said Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones….