A local day care is expanding its services into the former Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall on Franklin Road in Westsyde.

Stephanie Morrison, a former elementary school teacher, started a day care in her home 13 years ago with just seven kids. Over the years, Bumble and Bean Daycare grew to three locations, with 88 spaces.

article continues below

Morrison said it has “snowballed.”

With the addition of the former Kingdom Hall at 779 Franklin Rd., the day care will double its capacity, with 84 additional day care spaces.

“Our waitlist just shows that we need more,” Morrison told KTW. “We have hundreds of families, literally hundreds of families, on our waitlist.”

Morrison said infant-toddler and out-of-school care are challenging to find in Kamloops, both of which will be offered at the new Bumble and Bean location. In addition, the day care will offer a program for kids ages three to five.

The former Kingdom Hall in Westsyde will become the latest location for Bumble and Bean Daycare. - facebook

As part of renovations, the property will be fenced off and green space will be added in the back. In addition, the property — which is zoned to allow a day care and has ample parking — is a short distance to Westsyde Centennial Park.

“It’s really a phenomenal location,” Morrison said. “It’s in the heart of Westsyde.”

The 28,000-square-foot parcel is the equivalent of more than a half-acre.

The 5,400-square-foot building includes an entry-level, 3,700-square-foot hall and a second-level, 1,700-square-foot suite with multiple bedrooms.

According to BC Assessment, the property was assessed at $682,000 when it was listed for sale earlier this year by Coldwell Banker. The asking price was $845,000.

Due to the pandemic, Morrison said the day care is currently trying to get licensed to accept children of essential service workers and frontline staff. Morrison’s other three day-care locations remain open to serve those families.

The goal is to open the newest Bumble and Bean Daycare in May for such workers, pending licensing, and re-open to the general public this fall.

Morrison said some people have been on her waitlist for years. She will be calling names on that waitlist. In addition, families seeking spaces can call 250-319-2013 or email bumbleandbeandaycare@gmail.com.