Politicians love to talk about building back better after the pandemic is over and the benefits associated with build back better policies like universal childcare. Seems to me, the least they could do is not reduce access to currently available programming.

Before the pandemic, the Township of Langley offered a 2 hour after-school recreational program called Active Beyond the Bell (ABTB) at the following schools:

Alex Hope
Coghlan Fundamental
Dorothy Peacock
James Kennedy
James Hill
Langley Fundamental
Lynn Fripps
Noel Booth
Parkside Centennial
R.C. Garnett
Richard Bulpitt
Shortreed

ABTB provided good union jobs to rec staff, a more active lifestyle for children enrolled in the program, and an after-school care option for working parents and guardians.

Unfortunately, ABTB has been on hiatus since the pandemic struck. But, now that vaccines are being rolled out and there is a light at the end of the (pandemic) tunnel, parents and guardians are wanting to see this essential program come back. Unfortunately, the Township has not yet committed to bringing the program back - even for the Fall. The problem is parents and guardians need to start thinking about Fall childcare options now. Waitlists aren’t getting any shorter and, in many cases, ABTB was the only option. Needless to say, this is leaving many in the Township stressed and without a plan.

Of course, ABTB was & is not a cure-all.

Mayor and Council, and all levels of government, have a lot to do beyond just bringing ABTB back to address the need for accessible and affordable daycare spaces in the Township. That's why in addition to bringing ABTB back for the Fall, we are asking Township Mayor and Council to support continued staff participation on the Langley Children Committee, and to approve the proposed Child Care Action Plan at their earliest opportunity.

If you agree, please sign and share this petition!