On Monday, May 11, 2026 Oak Bay Mayor and Council will consider cutting the planned childcare space included in the Carnarvon Park redesign. The staff report to council suggests that "within the next few years" there will be sufficient services for children age 3-5 and that work is underway to expand services for infant-toddlers across SD61 in Oak Bay and Saanich. But we need to see it to believe it. There is no guarantee these spots are being created, no timelines available, and no suggestion that they will be public, affordable, or sufficient to provide universal care.

We do not want Oak Bay to miss this opportunity to create a beautiful, functional childcare space that will serve children in Oak Bay for generations to come. We want better. We want public, affordable, universal childcare, and we want Oak Bay Mayor and Council to do their part in supporting its creation.

Please, we ask our friends, family, and neighbours to write in by Monday, May 11 at noon to speak up for the need for childcare in our community. Standing in solidarity with us as parents of young children is a way for you to recognize the love, joy, diversity, and vibrancy children bring to our communities. Join us to advocate for public, affordable, universal childcare now!