Talks around applying for funding to build a new childcare facility at Ranger Park were held at tonight’s (Tuesday) Smithers town council meeting.
In May, council chose the YMCA of Northern BC to operate the proposed facility.
Funding would come from the province’s Childcare BC New Spaces Fund to cover the entire construction cost.
Councilor Sam Raven explained the need for more childcare is there.
“I’ve had friends leave because they couldn’t get childcare for their children and even though this isn’t a guarantee, we are going to try because this is what we have to do to support our community as a whole,” she said.
Concerns around the town’s commitment to having childcare in the facility were voiced at the meeting.
“I really struggle with the 25-year commitment when we’re not getting a 25-year commitment from the YMCA,” said Councilor Laura Leonard.
The current agreement would have the YMCA operate out of the building for five years before negotiating a new deal with the town.
Councilor Elliot also voiced concerns around the agreement length.
“I don’t want us to be holding the bag at the end, somehow stuck with the childcare business when we can provide this base,” he said.
“We shouldn’t be running a childcare situation; it should be a third party.”
Councilor Raven liked having the lease be five years.
“The reason for that is that we don’t know. It gives us the chance to revisit it in five years were as if we lock in to 25 years, we are locked in for 25 years,” she said.
Councilor Frank Wray voiced opposition to the proposed location and said not enough consultation had been done.
He also proposed creating a reserve to collect rent funds for servicing the building.
The motion passed with both Councilor Wray and Leonard opposed.
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