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Daycare group seeks new funding sources
Mac Olsen
for South Peace News
Although disappointed the federal government has turned down a funding application for $865,000 for the proposed High Prairie daycare facility, Quenten Emter will seek other sources.
“We’re reviewing a lot of options,” says Emter, a member of the parent advisory committee for the High Prairie and District Children’s Resource Council.
Emter made a presentation at the High Prairie and Area Chamber of Commerce’s meeting at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall Feb. 11.
Emter says the committee will work with M.D. of Big Lakes grants officer Cathy Wilcox to find money for the facility. The committee is also pursuing other avenues, such as national and international businesses in the area.
The cost of the project is expected to be $1.2 million. The committee has received $330,500 from the provincial government through the Major Community Facilities Program.
The two-storey facility would be built next to the Early Childhood Resource Centre, which is across from the Church of Nazarene. It would have 2,100 square feet for the top floor and 7,000 square feet for the bottom floor.
Emter says Alberta Job Corps and Northern Lakes College are willing to assist with construction, as their students would get work experience.
The facility would accommodate up to 100 children and be open to children ages 1-4. It would be open to anyone within the M.D. of Big Lakes, including First Nations and the Métis settlements.
To Emter, public day care is an essential service in each community.
“Public day care is a requirement for every community’s growth,” he says. “If you can’t offer the service, you can’t bring in employees from elsewhere.”
The CRC always needs volunteers to develop their plans. The parent advisory committee meets the second Monday of each month, at 5 p.m. in the CRC office. For more information, please call Lindsay Davies at 780-523-2715.
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