EXCERPTS
Construction will soon begin on the new Assiniboine Children’s Centre, with the federal and provincial governments investing more than $1.8 million combined.
The Assiniboine Children’s Centre will be a 4,400-square-foot facility on the grounds of École Assiniboine School (175 Winston Rd.) with 40 licensed infant and preschool spaces. Construction is expected to be completed in March 2020 and when it opens its doors, the centre will manage 201 childcare spaces at the school, which currently serves 321 students and a growing population.
In a June 5 media release announcing the funding, Manitoba families minister Heather Stefanson explained the funding decision.
"It’s exciting to see this project moving forward, which will soon become a valued addition to the community and the school as well as for families," Stefanson said. "Our government recognizes the importance of accessible, affordable and quality child care. We will continue to make strategic investments that will make a difference in the lives of Manitoba children."
Capital funding was provided through the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The agreement will also provide nearly $340,000 in an annual operating grant to the centre.
The Manitoba government is also investing more than $2 million at École Assiniboine School to complete repairs and maintenance, and ensure accessibility for all visitors. That’s welcome news to Sandra Melo, principal, École Assiniboine School, who explained the significance of the renovations at the school, which was built nearly 100 years ago.
"This lovely school that started being built in 1920 and was completed in 1922. It is home to a large historical mural of Indigenous people on the Assiniboine painted in 1934," said Melo. "These are necessary repairs and maintenance ensuring continued longevity of school."
Work is currently underway to:
• Replace the main building entrances to ensure they are fully accessible;
• Replace a 9,500-square-foot section of roofing on the newer part of the building, which is expected to be completed by the end of the summer;
• Replace the building’s foundation, which is expected to be completed at the end of November; and
• Update the parking lot, which will be completed over the summer and is funded by the St. James Assiniboine School Division.
"St. James-Assiniboia School Division and its board are proud to be part of all of these exciting endeavours such as the new childcare centre that is being built in our community," Melo said in the government news release. "A strong partnership such as the one between École Assiniboine and Assiniboine Children’s Centre is crucial to keeping the needs of the children and the families in the forefront of all decision-making."