The Town of Smithers’ application for provincial childcare funding has been unsuccessful. The request for a 74-space childcare centre at Ranger Park was not selected in the latest round of the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund due to high demand.
Mayor Gladys Atrill acknowledges the disappointment but says the Town remains committed to increasing childcare options. Plans are underway to revise the centre’s design and location to improve cost-effectiveness and strengthen future funding applications.
Childcare remains a top priority as the Town continues implementing the Smithers Childcare Plan. Officials plan to reapply when the fund accepts new applications in the coming years.
The Town thanks the Province of BC for its continued investment in childcare and will keep the community informed on future funding efforts.

Smithers’ Childcare Funding Application Unsuccessful
By Sabrina Spencer
Apr 1, 2025 | 3:53 PM