"Thrilled doesn't quite cover it." That from Laura Wiebe, Chair of the Kiddie Sunshine Centre's Board of Directors following news this week the federal and provincial governments are making a significant financial commitment towards the daycare's new, expanded facility in Altona. Details of the pledge are set to be released in the coming weeks.
"This is something that we've been working at for a very long time," added Wiebe. "Numerous groups over the years have been trying to address the issue of adequate childcare in our community, and today just marks a really big milestone in that project of being able to expand our offering and meet the needs of our community."
Vice-chair, Nicole Friesen, says since the federal and provincial governments announced a deal to provide $10 a day childcare in Manitoba, the daycare's already lengthy wait list skyrocketed. "This couldn't have come at a better time," she noted.
Having already raised 40% of its fund raising goal through community investors, this latest commitment means the Board has hit its target for the project and can put it up for tender.
"We've been putting on our Patience Pants and waiting for this announcement for a while, so we're really hoping to be able to start construction as soon as possible," said Wiebe.
The dream, added Friesen, would be to have the doors open for Fall 2024.
The new facility, to be built on a section of land owned by the Border Land School Division, will add 98 childcare spaces in the community, for a total of 135.
Harv Schroeder, Mayor for the Town of Altona, said the commitment was good news for the daycare centre, local businesses and young families, and the community as a whole.
"I'm just very happy that we can move this project forward starting as soon as possible."
The Town has been a strong advocate of the project and has made its own commitment of $1 million. It also commissioned a study examining the need for childcare in the community back in 2017.
Additional community investors include Red River Mutual, Friesens Corporation, Elmer's Manufacturing, Access Credit Union, Buffalo Creek Mills, Border Land School Division, and Altona Community Foundation.