Supporting Hornby Families
Since 1974
For over 50 years, Hornby Island Daycare has been shaped by a deep commitment to children, community, and learning through play.
What began as a small, community-led initiative has grown into a lasting space where generations of families have learned, connected, and grown together.
Illustration by Rae Mate.
The People
Sheila Jonston and Diane Smith, founders of the Hornby Island Daycare Society. Captured by Don Peterson.
Founded in 1973 by Sheila Johnston, Diane Smith, the Hornby Island Daycare took a short 12 months to come to fruition.
Since our doors opened in 1974, we have been shaped by a shared commitment to children’s learning through play and exploration.
A vision that is shared with families across our island home.
Over the decades, many dedicated educators have carried this vision forward.
Among them, Annie Fearman and Betty Nightingale stand out for their extraordinary contributions, holding 40 and 34 years of service respectively.
Annie had a strong belief in the value of early childhood education and encouraged and tutored many of the staff to become Early Childhood Educators.
Betty’s musical and creative abilities brought so much joy to Hornby's children.
Annie managed the Daycare for many of those years and played a key role in expanding the program to include infants and toddlers.
Did you know?
The Hornby Island Daycare society was funded through the Local Initiatives Project Grant in 1974 then grew into the programs we know today
Annie Fearman and Betty Nightingale shaped the centre to be what it is today. Captured by Don Peterson.
Teddybear Picnic 2025, 50 Years of Hornby Island Daycare Society. Captured by Don Peterson.
Before becoming part of the $10-a-day ChildCareBC program in 2018, the Daycare relied heavily on community fundraising to keep its doors open.
Annie and Betty were at the heart of these efforts.
Together with the Board, staff, parents, and friends, they organized large-scale auctions that became a major fixture in the community. Lively, full-day gatherings that brought people together in support of the Daycare.
Other fundraisers became beloved traditions as well.
Six Community Cook Books were released over the decades, alongside the annual Strawberry Tea and Fashion Show at Seabreeze Lodge, which became a much-anticipated event, complete with local partnerships, strawberry shortcake, and appearances from graduating students in their Grad attire.
Annie and Betty retired in June 2025 and were celebrated at the Teddy Bear Picnic, marking the Daycare’s 50th year of operation. A reflection of the lasting impact they have had on generations of children and families.
Early Staff, A Community Auction, and the HIDS Fashion show by Bob Cain.
Building for the next generation.
The Hornby Island Daycare was first housed in the old school, now known as the Betty Smith Centre.
Built in 1889, it was the second-oldest one-room schoolhouse in BC, and had sat unused for many years, falling into disrepair.
Under the guidance of Michael MacNamara, a team restored the structure in a little under a year, facilitating the Daycare to open its doors in 1974.
When the new Elementary School was built in 1983, the Daycare moved into the larger original one-room schoolhouse where it remains today.
The Schoolhouse was built in the 1950s by George Cowie, and was once considered one of the most modern schools in BC.
Archival Image by Bob Cain.
In 2018, Michael McNamara returned to design an extension to the building. Our new Infant Toddler room was built by his team at Blue Sky Design.
This included two Daycare alumni, Storm and Charlie Lampman, and offered a full-circle moment for the community. The addition sits seamlessly alongside the original structure.
Most recently, we’ve completed a state-of-the-art playground which is enjoyed daily by our staff and children.
To this day our Daycare continues to operate on School District 71 grounds, and we are lucky to pay an annual rent of $1, reflecting the community support that has sustained us through decades.
