The East Kootenay region is one step closer to having a Kootenay Child Development Centre, thanks to $200,000 in support from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and $200,000 from Teck. The project is being spearheaded by the Community Connections Society of Southeast BC (CCS).

The multi-service centre will coordinate health and development services and programs for children and youth in the East Kootenay by providing a full continuum of child health and development services in one central location.

“CBT is pleased to be able to support the final stages of construction for this facility that will benefit all families in the East Kootenay region,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “The centre is using a coordinated, community-based approach to addressing family needs. By centralizing services downtown, it will provide accessible, local services for parents and their children, eliminating the stress of travel, allowing families to focus on treatment and recovery and promoting overall well-being in the Basin.”

“Teck is pleased to support this valuable project, which simplifies the ability for all the children and youth of the East Kootenay region to receive services. As an organization, we feel it is important to invest in the communities in which we operate and where our employees reside,” said Nic Milligan, Manager Community and Aboriginal Affairs with Teck in Sparwood.

A one-stop shop for families with children up to age 19, the Cranbrook-based centre will house specialists like pediatricians, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and physiotherapists. Space will be provided for visiting professionals, and there will be a family resource, equipment and toy loan program on site.

“The Kootenay Child Development Centre will be in a central location easily accessible to the community,” said Gwen Noble, Executive Director, CCS. “This will make it easier for families to access services for their children while obtaining the expertise of a collective support team in one location. We thank CBT and Teck, and all other supporters, for their contributions in making this happen.”

CBT delivers economic, social and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Above photo: Child health and development services for East Kootenay families will be united in one location once construction is complete on the Kootenay Child Development Centre. In front: Nicholas Lucas. Left to right: Tammy Ogden, Teck Community Liaison; Carrie Schafer, CBT Community Liaison; Sharon Strom, Teck Coordinator Sustainability; Gwen Noble, CCS Executive Director; Garry Merkel, CBT Board Chair

Columbia Basin Trust

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