Image: CEFA Early Learning Chilliwack / Mayor Ken Popove (left) was on hand for the grand opening of CEFA Early Learning at 7544 Vedder Road in Chilliwack, the site of the former BC Liquor store.
New child care facility

Chilliwack child care facility of over 7,800 sq. ft. holds grand opening on Vedder Road

Oct 7, 2025 | 9:47 AM

CHILLIWACK — A franchise with roughly 50 early learning centres across Canada held a grand opening last weekend to welcome the community to their nearly 7,900-square foot Chilliwack facility in the former BC Liquor store on Vedder Road.

CEFA Early Learning marked the official opening of CEFA Early Learning Chilliwack – Cottonwood with a grand opening event on Saturday, October 4. Families, educators, and community members attended alongside local leaders, including Mayor Ken Popove and Heather Maahs, MLA for Chilliwack North. Together, they marked the launch of CEFA’s 49th school in Canada – and the very first in Chilliwack – signalling the organization’s continued growth in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia.

The new 7,863 sq. ft. facility, located at 7544 Vedder Road, features six purpose-built classrooms designed for children ages 1–5. During the celebration, guests toured the space, met educators, and explored CEFA’s enriched junior kindergarten curriculum. CEFA Chilliwack – Cottonwood can accommodate up to 98 students and is now welcoming enrolment inquiries.

Image: MLA Heather Maahs / Interior of the new CEFA Early Learning centre on Vedder Road.

“Every new CEFA Early Learning Private School is a reflection of our vision to expand access to world-class early learning in Canada,” said Arno Krug, CEO, CEFA Early Learning. “The opening of CEFA Chilliwack – Cottonwood is an important milestone in that journey, and we’re proud to bring a program here that is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and prepare children for lifelong success.”

Founded in 1998 in West Vancouver, CEFA says it features a proprietary, multidisciplinary curriculum backed by evidentiary science and developed to nurture children’s academic, social, emotional, and physical development during their most formative years.

The franchise says each teacher has training in early childhood education and implements CEFA’s unique methodology.

“Chilliwack is a vibrant and growing community, and families here deserve access to the very best in early learning,” said Ashley Sidhu, franchise partner at CEFA Early Learning Chilliwack – Cottonwood. “We’re excited to introduce CEFA’s enriched curriculum locally and to create a welcoming school environment where children feel inspired every day.”

CEFA Early Learning also operates in Abbotsford and Langley.