The Tri-Cities region — Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody — is one of Metro Vancouver’s fastest-growing residential areas, with childcare demand that consistently outpaces licensed supply. Families across the Tri-Cities searching for licensed infant and toddler care often need to look across all three municipalities to find available spots. This guide covers licensed childcare across the Tri-Cities, how subsidies work in all three cities, and why Smiling Kids in North Coquitlam serves the entire Tri-Cities area. Call 604-600-4393.
For information on BC childcare subsidies and licensed daycare regulations, visit the Government of BC Childcare Resources. Smiling Kids Childcare Centre is a licensed childcare facility meeting all BC childcare regulations.
Licensed Childcare in the Tri-Cities Region
All three Tri-Cities municipalities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody) are in Fraser Health’s service area and follow BC’s Child Care Licensing Regulation. This means:
- The same quality standards apply across all three cities
- Licensing is administered by the same health authority (Fraser Health)
- CCFRI and ACCB subsidies apply equally across all three municipalities
- The same ChildCareBC.ca portal covers all three cities
Childcare in Coquitlam — Tri-Cities Hub
Coquitlam is the largest of the three Tri-Cities municipalities and has the highest concentration of licensed childcare. North Coquitlam (near Coquitlam Centre) serves as a natural hub for the region, accessible from both Port Coquitlam (via the Lougheed Highway or Prairie Avenue corridor) and Port Moody (via Ioco Road or SkyTrain). Key areas: North Coquitlam daycare | Burke Mountain daycare | Westwood Plateau childcare.
Childcare in Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam (“PoCo”) has its own licensed centre cluster, primarily concentrated around the Mary Hill, Riverside, and Town Centre areas. Infant care availability in Port Coquitlam is similar to Coquitlam — tight, with 3-12 month waitlists at quality centres. Many PoCo families also consider North Coquitlam centres given the short driving distance. Port Coquitlam daycare guide.
Childcare in Port Moody
Port Moody is the smallest of the three Tri-Cities municipalities and has fewer licensed centres in absolute terms, though quality is comparable. The Moody Centre and Barnet Marine Park corridor serves most Port Moody families. The SkyTrain connection (Evergreen Line, Moody Centre Station) makes North Coquitlam centres accessible for Port Moody families who transit-commute. Port Moody daycare guide.
Tri-Cities Childcare Subsidies — Same Across All Three Cities
Families in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody access the same provincial subsidies:
- CCFRI: At participating licensed centres across all three cities — approximately $700-900/month automatic fee reduction for infant/toddler care
- ACCB: Income-tested benefit, applied for through ChildCareBC.ca — up to ~$1,250/month for families under $45K household income, regardless of which Tri-Cities municipality you live in
Subsidy guide: BC childcare subsidy eligibility 2026.
Smiling Kids — Serving the Entire Tri-Cities Region
Smiling Kids Childcare Centre in North Coquitlam at 1380 Coast Meridian Road serves families from across the Tri-Cities:
- Port Coquitlam families: 10-15 minute drive via the Lougheed Highway/Prairie Avenue route
- Port Moody families: 12-18 minute drive via Ioco Road/Coast Meridian corridor, or SkyTrain to Lincoln Station + bus
- Burke Mountain / Westwood Plateau families: 10-15 minutes via Coast Meridian Road
We accept infants from 3 months+ and toddlers to 3 years. CCFRI-participating. ITE-certified educators. Call 604-600-4393 or contact us to discuss availability or waitlist. Full guide: daycare Coquitlam.
