National chain Kids & Company takes over two Kelowna daycares from troubled Produckidvity
The acquisition follows years of turmoil for Produckidvity, including a recent eviction and missed staff paycheques.
KELOWNA · Two Kelowna daycare centres formerly run by the troubled Produckidvity group have been acquired by the national chain Kids & Company. The locations on Leon and Sutherland avenues will now be operated by the company, which runs more than 100 childcare centres across Canada. The takeover offers stability for families and staff after years of operational problems for Produckidvity. The chain's CEO said the Okanagan presents a significant opportunity to provide high-quality early childhood education.
"We recognize how important consistency and stability are for children, parents and educators," said Kids & Company CEO Victoria Sopik. She said the company will work to ensure a smooth transition for the affected families. Produckidvity had been one of Kelowna's largest private childcare providers but faced multiple controversies. It was evicted from its downtown Bernard Block location in May, causing disruption for families.
Following that eviction, some Produckidvity employees did not receive their paycheques and families waited for refunds. The company had also previously upset parents with abrupt fee increases and its handling of the Sutherland campus purchase in 2023. Kids & Company will not assume control of Produckidvity's West Kelowna location, which was separately owned and licensed. That facility is now operating under the new name Era Early Learning.
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Kids & Company already operates a centre in West Kelowna after buying the Pebbles and Pathways daycare on Brown Road in September. That acquisition included retaining all staff and enrolled families at the 73-seat facility. Sopik said the company aims to open more locations in the Okanagan over the next year. Its programs focus on play-based learning designed to foster creativity, independence and social development. "We believe that exceptional child care begins with exceptional educators, and we are committed to creating warm, nurturing environments where educators and children alike feel safe and supported," Sopik said. The company also plans to introduce employer-sponsored family caregiving benefits to the region. These include backup childcare and elder care support for employees' aging parents.
While daycare space availability has improved for children over three in the Okanagan, a severe shortage persists for infants and after-school care. Wait lists for infant care can extend for several years. In an online message, Produckidvity's leadership team thanked families for their trust and support. "Caring for Kelowna’s children and being part of so many families’ lives has been a true privilege," the note said.
With files from Castanet
Isabelle Moreau is the editor of Novello Desserts and writes about family life and everyday living in Canada. The editor signs off on corrections and editorial standards.