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HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. — A childcare facility years in the making officially opened its doors Aug. 4 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
The new facility can hold more than 120 children, and includes toddler, preschool and afterschool programs.
Afterschool children can now be accommodated both at Pumpkin House Child Care Centre and Peacock Primary School, which will help alleviate a substantial wait list.
“With an increase in spaces for both our child care and afterschool programs, our new child care centre provides accessible, affordable and inclusive child care to many families,” said Colin O’Brien, vice president of the local Early Childhood Development Association, in a news release. “Today’s official opening is a true reflection of partnership between community stakeholders, corporate partners and the provincial government, in leveraging limited resources to address community needs."
Funding for the project came from numerous different sources, including the local and federal governments, the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Rotary Co-Op fund, the Woodward Group of Companies and many more. The province gave more than $900,000 towards the building.
Brian Warr, provincial minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, cut the ribbon for the official opening, of the centre which has been operating since July. Warr was joined by Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville, Labrador MP Yvonne Jones, members of the ECDA, staff and parents for the celebration.