Capilano University celebrates opening of Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies
Today, Capilano University (CapU) officially opened the doors to the Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies, the new home for the School of Education and Childhood Studies and a second childcare facility on the main campus in North Vancouver. The centre will also provide training for 20 early childhood educators (ECEs), doubling the practicum placements for students on campus.
The 23,000-square-foot two-storey facility provides 74 new childcare spaces for the North Shore and enables CapU to increase enrolment in its early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs by 25 per cent.
“The opening of this innovative teaching, learning and research space reimagines how we prepare future educators to meet the needs of 21st century children and provides quality child care that is vital for children, families and communities to thrive,” said Brad Martin, dean, Faculty of Education, Health & Human Development.
As Western Canada’s only purpose-designed, integrated centre for early childhood care and education, the new building brings together researchers, students, educators and children under one roof to advance early years research, education and innovation. The building includes studio and lab space, classrooms, faculty offices and a children’s centre providing care and education for infants, toddlers and 3- to 5-year-olds starting in June.
CapU’s current 69-space Children’s Centre, a not-for-profit childcare facility run by the University and licensed by Vancouver Coastal Health, will remain in operation.
The $25-million project received more than $11 million from the Government of British Columbia, including nearly $3 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. CapU contributed more than $8 million toward the project, with nearly $6 million from donors.
Read the Government of British Columbia news release
The building is named in honour of Chancellor Yuri Fulmer and his family, in recognition of their generous support for early childhood education and their $2-million donation to the centre.
“This building and its spectacular playground provide an extraordinary step forward in a beautiful and loving environment to help our children and those who take care of them,” Fulmer said at the building opening event. “Quality child care strengthens our entire community. It supports economic growth, promotes gender equality, and fosters social inclusion. It helps attract and retain talent, ensures that children arrive at school ready to learn, and creates a meaningful site for early childhood education.”
The Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies. Photo © ANDREW LATREILLE
Guests at the building opening included Bowinn Ma, minister of infrastructure; Capilano University Chancellor Yuri Fulmer; Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care; Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour; Elder Lorelei Lyons; Deanna George, Tsleil-Waututh councillor; Mike Little, mayor of the District of North Vancouver; and Linda Buchanan, mayor of the City of North Vancouver, and capital campaign co-chairs Derek and Carlota Lee.
“Access to high-quality, affordable child care is essential, not only for advancing equality but also for strengthening our economy by helping more people pursue an education or find a job,” Ma said. “The new Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies doubles the number of childcare spaces on campus, supporting families in the community, while also providing more opportunities for early childhood education students to get the education they need to join the workforce in their chosen field.”
Designed by Vancouver firm Public Architecture, the LEED Gold target building is located at the north end of main campus, near transit and adjacent to forest and trails.
"I am absolutely thrilled to see the Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies complete,” said Brian Wakelin, principal, Public Architecture. “This facility is more than a building—it’s a living laboratory where the art of caregiving meets the science of education. It demonstrates Public Architecture’s commitment to designing a sustainable future that supports the community through innovative design solutions. We hope it serves the CapU community of educators, staff, students and children well into the future."
The new child-centred building is the first major capital project completed on the University’s main campus since the opening of the Nat and Flora Bosa Centre for Film & Animation in 2012.
A groundbreaking ceremony marking the official start of construction on the new centre took place on Sept. 22, 2022.
Submitted by: Communications