Nuxalk Childcare Centre
Bella Coola, BC
About the project
A ground-up new build giving Nuxalk families in Bella Coola a dedicated home for childcare, after-school programs, and mask, song and dance. Groen was the general contractor, and as on all our remote projects we arranged the logistics for materials and crews and worked with the community to hire local workers.
The building
A mass timber and wood-frame structure with heavy timber post-and-beam framing, cedar cladding and a layout inspired by the traditional longhouse. Massive cedar logs anchor a high-ceiling central gathering and learning space. It also has a commercial-grade kitchen for food programs and dedicated accessibility and multi-sensory spaces.
Built for the coast
The Bella Coola Valley is wet and demanding, so the envelope was built to match: deep roof overhangs, a rain screen system, heavy-load foundations and natural ventilation.
Why it matters
The centre gives children a safe, culturally grounded place to learn their language and traditions. Reliable local childcare also lets parents and caregivers work or study, and the building connects families with health and wellness programs under one roof.
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