A vision years in the making is finally taking shape on Wellock Road, as the Pebbles to Rocks Childcare Centre begins its transformation from blueprint to reality. The groundbreaking ceremony held earlier this summer marked a major milestone for Estevan’s newest childcare initiative, led by Executive Director Karolina Tamulaitiene.
“It feels almost unreal,” Tamulaitiene shared in a recent interview. “Every time I walk past the site, I’m flooded with gratitude and electric excitement. It’s more than just construction, it’s the heartbeat of a dream coming alive.”
A Community-Driven Mission
The project, which has been in development for over two and a half years, was born out of a pressing need for more regulated childcare spaces in Estevan. With waiting lists stretching up to two years and over 500 children waiting between the city’s two existing centers, Tamulaitiene felt compelled to act.
“We wanted to create a center that not only meets that need but uplifts children with an environment rooted in creativity, exploration, and kindness,” she said.
Pebbles to Rocks will accommodate up to 90 children, the maximum allowed for a daycare in Saskatchewan, and will feature open-concept spaces designed to encourage interaction between age groups, as well as an outdoor playground
Funding the Future
The total cost of the project is estimated at $3.1 million, which includes the building, inventory, furniture, and supplies. Thanks to grants from the Ministry of Education ($1.4 million), the City of Estevan, and the Southeast Saskatchewan Economic Partnership ($200,000), the team is about halfway to their goal
Community support has also begun to pour in, with donations from Kingston Midstream and Tundra Oil & Gas ($15,000 each), and smaller contributions through their GoFundMe page. But with $1.5 million still needed, fundraising efforts are ramping up.
“We’ve set up sponsorship tiers and are planning several events,” Tamulaitiene explained. “Every single donation, no matter the size, is a building block bringing us closer to opening the doors.”
Upcoming Fundraisers
The team is inviting the community to an art contest and live auction titled Pebbles to Picasso is underway. The top 20 art submissions will be auctioned off at a dinner event on October 4 at the Estevan Exhibition Hall, with performances by local artists Robert Godfrey and Conner Piche
A Symbol of Hope
As construction progresses, the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’ve had parents, grandparents, even folks without kids, express pride and excitement,” Tamulaitiene said. “For many, it represents hope, a space that prioritizes early learning and care right here in Estevan.”
With the center slated to open in early 2026, Pebbles to Rocks is more than a building, it’s a promise to Estevan’s children and families. “We’re building foundations, one pebble at a time, for lifelong growth,” Tamulaitiene said.