Health care workers in Merritt have more child care options for their families thanks to a partnership with the new Family Place Early Learning Centre (FPELC) in Merritt which opened in August.
The Family Place offers 76 spaces for families in Merritt, including 24 spaces for infant-toddlers, 36 for school-age care and 16 for multi-age child care, and some of these will be for Interior Health (IH) staff and physicians in Merritt and surrounding communities.
The Family Place is located just a four-minute drive from the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre, at 1914 Quilchena Avenue, and within a short walking distance to the Coquihalla Primary Care Clinic. It is operated by Merritt Youth and Family Resource Society (MYFRS) providing an inclusive, family-oriented space and high-quality child care.
“MYFRS understands that safe, reliable and consistent child care gives health care staff peace of mind and supports health care services,” said Karen Cooper, Executive Director, Clinical Operations, Thompson Cariboo Rural. “We are grateful for the Society’s support and for the support of the Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) Foundation who contributed to the project. We will continue to actively work with our partners to take a community approach such as this to support recruitment and retention of physicians and staff.”
Lenora Fletcher, MYFRS Executive Director said building strong community connections and partnerships is the key to success for the new centre.
“I like to think outside the box to help as many people as I can using connections and partnerships to help others. Since opening in August, families are saying nothing but positive things about the centre, so that’s great,” Fletcher said. “Health care professionals can’t be at their best if they’re worried about who’s caring for their children. When doctors, nurses, and staff know their children are safe and cared for, they can focus fully on the patients who need them.”
Supporting this project was an easy decision for the RIH Foundation because it helps ensure health professionals in Merritt can continue to live, work, and provide exceptional care in their own community.
“When health care teams feel supported at home, patients across the region benefit,” said Heidi Coleman, RIH Foundation CEO.
The land for the facility was purchased in 2017. To help make the centre a reality, the Society received $1.5 million from the Child Care BC New Spaces Fund.
An open house and community celebration took place at the Family Place on September 12, 2025, and included a presentation, video from Minister Lisa Beare, guest speakers, tours and snacks.
Rohini Arora, Parliamentary Secretary for Child Care, also visited the centre on October 14, 2025, to meet with staff, view the facility and celebrate its opening with them.
If families require information on how to register, please contact the Family Place Early Learning Centre at 250-302-3444.
