YMCA to open new daycare for 72 children on Eastern Shore
The YMCA is embarking on a transformative project to convert an old hardware store into a much-needed daycare facility on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. With an estimated budget of $2 million, the organization aims to provide child care services to 72 families in the rural community of Lake Charlotte, just outside the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Brian Posavad, the president and CEO of the YMCA for Halifax and Dartmouth, expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing the importance of offering child care options close to home. The provincial government is providing $1.9 million in funding through a grant program that targets the creation of new daycare spaces in communities with high demand for child care services.
The initiative was prompted by community demand, as evidenced by a petition signed by over 300 individuals highlighting the lack of safe, affordable, and quality child care facilities in the area. Kent Smith, the MLA for the region, noted that the demographic shift in the Eastern Shore has led to an increased need for child care services, preventing some parents from returning to work due to a lack of options.
The daycare facility will be housed in the lower level of a log building, with the upper level currently occupied by a general store. The location is described as an icon of the Eastern Shore, making it a fitting choice for the new daycare. The facility is expected to open in March or April, offering 72 spaces for children aged 18 months to four years.
To meet the staffing requirements, the YMCA plans to hire between 15 and 20 employees for the daycare facility. The province is working towards opening 9,500 additional daycare spaces by March 2026, as part of a federal child-care agreement. Pam Aucoin, the executive director of early childhood education for the province, confirmed that progress is on track to meet the target for new spaces and reduce child care costs to an average of $10 per day by the specified deadline.
The YMCA’s daycare project on the Eastern Shore signifies a significant step towards addressing the child care needs of the community and supporting families in accessing quality care for their children. The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to expanding child care services and making them more affordable for families across Nova Scotia.
