BrightPath West Kelowna closure impacts 64 families

BrightPath Childcare Centre in West Kelowna, B.C., has announced it will close on June 13. This decision leaves 64 families searching for new child care options. The closure follows the sale of the building, and BrightPath’s lease will not be renewed. Parents are feeling the pressure. Nicole Clifton, a parent at BrightPath, shared that she spent a whole day calling other child care centers, only to find busy lines. Many parents relied on BrightPath for their children's care, and now they must find alternatives. Some families are being directed to BrightPath's location in Kelowna. However, for many, the commute is not practical. Bobbi Vojtko, a parent, expressed concern about the time and distance involved. She stated it would be difficult to drive across the bridge to drop her son off at a different center. Child care centers in the area are feeling the effects of BrightPath's closure. Carissa Schroeder, owner of Neighbourhood Kids Childcare Centre, reported receiving many inquiries from families affected by the closure. She noted that her center also has a long waitlist. "There’s just not enough child care available here," she said, highlighting the growing problem in West Kelowna.