Nova Scotia is getting more child-care spaces on the South Shore and in the Annapolis Valley.

On Friday, Lunenburg West MLA Becky Druhan announced an investment of $5.3 million to support three child-care operators and add more than 200 spaces in the province.

Among them, 86 new spaces in Bridgewater at the Small World Learning Centre’s second location, which is set to open in 2026.

Dare to Dream in New Minas is getting 78 new spaces, while the Coldbrook YMCA is getting 62. Both centres are expected to open in the fall.

In a statement, Druhan says, “This expansion of spaces will provide quality early learning for children, give parents access to much needed child care, and support the local economy.”

Federal minister of Jobs and Families Steven MacKinnon says, “Parents should not have to break the bank or put their careers on pause to find quality, affordable child care in Canada. Today’s announcement in Nova Scotia is opening 200 more child-care spaces, saving thousands in child-care costs every year and giving families the flexibility they deserve.”

The funding is through the Canada-Nova Scotia Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

The province says it is also increasing available funding under the Early Learning and Child Care Minor Infrastructure Program to $1 million per project to help create more childcare spaces throughout Nova Scotia, an increase from $250,000.