While some plans have faced delays, help is still coming for Northumberland-area families in need of licensed childcare spaces.
“Northumberland County and community partners are making steady progress on facility renovations to open new licensed childcare spaces by the end of this year,” said county staff, in a recent update on progress to open the 180-plus new spaces, which are part of a broader expansion effort funded by the county, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments.
The hope is these new spaces will help address high demand locally, particularly in priority areas identified through the county’s early learning and childcare service plan, explained staff.
“All partners are striving to complete work and get identified locations open as quickly as possible to address the urgent demand for childcare in our community,” said Lesley Patterson, Early Years’ services manager. “While some plans have faced delays, our goal remains to open the majority of these 181 spaces before the end of this year.”
According to the county, locations on track to be completed by the end of 2024 include the renovated Ruth Clarke Activity Centre in Port Hope, which will have 70 new spaces and be operated by Ganaraska Child Care.
Another 47 new spaces, operated by YMCA Northumberland, at 161 Old Hastings Rd. in Warkworth, is also on target to open by the end of December. And at the Northumberland Centre for Individual Studies in Cobourg, 15 new spaces serving diverse age ranges, again, operated by the Y, are on track.
However, the proposed renovation at the Canton Hub to accommodate 49 new spaces in partnership with the Y has been delayed due to “unexpected building code updates and licensing-related challenges.”
These challenges largely relate to the age and configuration of the building, and a revised project budget is said to now be under development.
“Once all costing information has been received, partners will reassess plans and timelines and provide an update to the community,” said the county.
Recognizing growing demand – the waitlist for licensed childcare in Northumberland shot up by 60 per cent in 2023 – the goal through this expansion effort is to add 400-plus new spaces by 2026. These spaces are for new infant-to-age-six spaces and prioritize underserved neighbourhoods and high-need areas identified through population demographics and socio-economic factors, explained staff.
“Opening these spaces is a top priority for everyone involved,” stressed Patterson. “We are working together to meet all licensing requirements, regulatory standards and quality benchmarks so that families can count on having reliable, inclusive childcare close to home.”
In 2023, there was also the addition of 10 infant spaces at the Brighton Children’s Centre, in partnership with the school board.
Expansion work will continue into the new year, and in alignment with provincial targets for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system – all in an effort to make high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive care accessible to more families, reiterated staff.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
