sʔitwənx child care centre. Photo credit: Darren Hull.

There’s a new landmark at UBC Okanagan campus: Filled with storybooks rather than textbooks, the 3,660 square-foot recently-completed building is sʔitwənx—UBC Okanagan’s newest child care centre.

Designed with a goal toward sustainability and Indigeneity, sʔitwənx provides spaces for 37 new children and their families (12 infant/toddler spaces and 25 3–5-year-old spaces), as well as six new positions within the SHCS team.

“This is an exciting time for Child Care Services and our Early Childhood Educators,” says Alicia Larson, Associate Director of Child Care Services at UBC Okanagan. “We’re excited about the expansion, and being a part of the larger UBC community to work on partnerships to enhance the children’s experiences.”

Photo credit: Darren Hull.

Project funding

Construction of the bright and modern new facility was made possible through more than $2.7 million in funding from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, and was built adjacent to the existing child care centre, increasing the number of child care spaces at UBCO to 93.

“Child care continues to be in high demand and a great need in our community at UBC and locally in Kelowna,” says Larson. “It is important to continue to advocate for quality child care and additional spaces to meet these needs.”

Child Care quick facts

• Operates licensed group care for children from infancy to kindergarten entry.
• Provides care for 93 children: 34 infant/toddler spaces and 59 3-5 year old spaces.
• The original centre, spəqmix (swan), opened in 1992.
• The new centre, sʔitwənx (crane), began accepting children in early-November 2024.

Learn more about UBC Okanagan Child Care.

Syilx names

Both of the centres back onto forest, providing children with opportunities to explore the natural environment year-round. This connection to the natural world is also reflected in the centres’ new nsyilxcən names, which were provided by the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

sʔitwənx and spəqmix

• The newest centre is sʔitwənx, which means crane.
• The original centre is spəqmix, which means swan.

Naming process

The process to name the centres, convened by the En’owkin Centre, engaged Syilx Okanagan Traditional Ecological Knowledge Holders who reflected on a package created by UBC Okanagan Campus Planning about the design, siting and sustainability approach, as well as the intention and program of the child care facilities.

These names were recommended as all Syilx captikʷł figures (such as crane and swan) have a purpose and appropriateness felt by the Knowledge Holders. captikʷł are a collection of teachings about Syilx Okanagan laws, customs, values, governance structures and principles that, together, define and inform Syilx Okanagan rights and responsibilities to the land and to their culture.

Photo credit: Darren Hull.

Syilx artwork

The centres will also prominently feature artwork by Syilx artist Les Louis that reflect the two names.

Building design

Passive design

Sustainability and climate were also a key consideration when designing sʔitwənx, which was built following a passive design process. That means it works with the local climate to maintain comfortable internal temperatures, making use of an electric air source heat pump, central energy recovery ventilator, and has on-site rainwater management.

Photo credit: Darren Hull.

Open concept design

The new building features two distinct spaces: an infant and toddler room along with a separate nap room, and then the 3-5 program, which also features an open concept design with high ceilings, a separate resting area, gross motor area, and outdoor play spaces for each group.

The open-concept design invites children to explore and engage, says Kerri Lang, Senior Early Childhood Educator in the 3-5 program. “The stunning architecture, with its exposed pipes, high beams, and abundant natural light, creates an inspiring environment that feels far removed from a typical child care setting,” she says.

“I especially love the huge floor-to-ceiling windows that illuminate the entire space with sunlight. The expansive play yard is another highlight, offering a variety of sensory experiences, including a water table and a hill for rolling or sliding down in winter. I can’t wait to be part of this exciting new centre.”

“We are delighted to present a beautiful space that reflects our allegiance to quality and safety, for the young children to thrive,” adds Kamini Kishore, Program Manager for UBCO Child Care Services. “We offer truly exceptional child care, with the elements designed for nurturing, enriching experiences, while ensuring a smooth transition from home life to early learning.”