A new report shows the current state of childcare in Lethbridge and what will be needed going forward. (Photo: Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge classified ‘childcare desert,’ city to maintain current levels of support

Sep 17, 2024 | 3:30 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new report shows that more childcare spaces will be needed in Lethbridge.

The City of Lethbridge commissioned a Childcare Needs Assessment & 5-Year Action Plan, which was presented to city council on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

It states that there were 8,058 children aged 0-6 living in Lethbridge as of the 2023 municipal census. This is considered the most important age group when looking at childcare needs.

Assuming recent population trends continue, the city could be home to as many as 9,238 kids in that age bracket by 2034, an increase of 15 per cent.

As of December 2023, there were roughly 2,706 licensed childcare spaces in the city for children aged 0-6.

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Although the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Government of Alberta recommends that there be one childcare space for every three children in a community, Lethbridge only had one space for every four kids in 2022.

That means Lethbridge is classified as a “childcare desert” and that there is a shortfall of around 620 spaces. The north and west sides in particular are experiencing a lack of spaces and many parents have to commute to the south side, where over half of all childcare facilities exist.

The average wait time for childcare is approximately 22 months and ranges from six months to more than three years.

89 per cent of parents surveyed in Lethbridge say their childcare needs are not being met or are somewhat being met.

Childcare mostly falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial and federal governments, but the city can play a role in decision-making, planning and development regulations.

City council was given a range of options for how it could proceed on childcare.

Members chose to go with the “status quo” option, which includes actions like updating the city’s Land Use Bylaw to encourage more childcare development and ensuring childcare is considered in future corporate plans, strategies and policies.

To maintain existing coverage levels, considering projected population growth, Lethbridge will need to add 42 new spaces per year over the next five years.

The full Childcare Needs Assessment & 5-Year Action Plan can be read on the City of Lethbridge website here. Council’s discussion on the matter is on the City’s YouTube page.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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