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Groundbreaking held for Reach's child development centre

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for the Reach Child and Youth Development Society’s planned child development centre in Ladner.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for the Reach Child and Youth Development Society’s planned child development centre in Ladner.

“Once open, Reach’s new child development centre will create enough building capacity to, over time, double the number of children served,” said acting chair Denis Horgan. “It will serve as a place of learning and belonging for children with special needs and their families.”

Reach currently serves 1,000 children annually.

Actual construction on the 20,000 square foot building, which will be adjacent to the Ladner Pioneer Library at Memorial Park, is expected to begin in September. 

The aim is to have construction completed by September, 2017.

The new centre will offer therapy and counselling rooms, prevocational training, specialized lending libraries and an inclusive preschool with an accessible playground, Horgan noted. He added that it will also provide a new home for the Kinsmen Club of Ladner and Tsawwassen.

He noted $4.6 million has been raised so far and Reach still has another $1 million to go.

Mayor Lois Jackson said Delta has been a longtime supporter of Reach.

“The society recognizes the importance of family, and the uniqueness of each and every child,” she said. “Their programs empower families by providing and helping them with information about their child’s care and development and we are very fortunate to have this organization in Delta.”

Delta is providing a $1 million contribution, along with additional provisions of land, servicing, parking and landscaping towards Reach’s new facility, representing a further $1.3 million in value.

Delta North MLA Scott Hamilton said the new centre will be a “jewel in the community.”