Nearly 300 more childcare spaces will soon be available across Fort McMurray.

At a virtual luncheon hosted by the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce on Thursday Premier Jason Kenney announced they are allocating $9.7 million in grants to help parents living in communities with limited childcare options.

In total, 1,500 spaces are being created with Fort McMurray receiving around one-fifth.

“In communities from Fort McMurray to Taber, parents will have better access to childcare helping them to get back to work, training, or to pursue post-secondary education,” said Kenney.

Around 200 jobs will be created through these grants, however, it’s unknown how many will be specifically in Fort McMurray.

Local childcare centres and dayhomes will be able to access the funding.

“It’s going to go towards supporting affordable high-quality and accessible childcare for parents, most importantly for parents who work outside the typical 9 to 5 but also who have unique needs in areas of true need,” added Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services.

This announcement comes after the GoA announced they would be providing families who use childcare a one-time payment of $561 per child.