Construction is moving forward on Estevan’s new Pebbles to Rocks daycare, with walls already in place and more work underway. Director Karolina Tamulaitiene said things are on track to be completed early next year.
“The construction’s going really well and pretty quickly. It’s estimated to be completed beginning of January of next year. But with construction, you know, things sometimes happen. So maybe even if we complete in February, that would be fantastic,” said Tamulaitiene.
The facility will help address the shortage of childcare spaces in the community, something families have been waiting on for years. While many residents are eager for the opening, Tamulaitiene acknowledged that some remain hesitant after past daycare plans in Estevan did not move forward. She emphasized that although it looked quiet on the surface, there was significant behind-the-scenes work with the ministry and securing the location.
“There’s a lot of excitement, and there’s a lot of people messaging asking to get on the wait list, which I completely understand. I know everyone is anxious and anticipating it and wants to get in because we do have such a shortage of childcare in Estevan, especially subsidized one,” she said.
To help raise funds for the project, Pebbles to Rocks will be hosting its Pebbles to Picasso fundraiser on October 4 at the Estevan Exhibition Hall. The evening will feature cocktails, supper, live music by Godfrey and Connor Pichet, as well as both live and silent auctions. Children’s artwork will be among the items auctioned.
“We’ve gotten some great donations from our community, amazing things really. So we’re really looking forward to it, and we’re hoping to sell those tickets and to have everyone there to enjoy this and celebrate the new daycare being built. And to get some of that financial help as well, because we still need quite a bit of money to complete the building,” said Tamulaitiene.
Tickets will be available at the Estevan Farmers’ Market, where board members will be set up to connect with the community.