Two early learning child care centres in Olds are each one step closer to providing $25 a day child care under a provincial government program.
The two entities are the Mountain View Child Care Society (MVCCS) and the Boys and Girls Club of Olds and Area (BGCOA).
MVCCS volunteer chair Mitch Thomson says that group has just "signed off" on a lease for a facility at 4410 47 Ave., currently being operated by the Safe N Sound Child Development Centre.
He says they plan to undertake renovations, including adding additional space.
Their goal is to open at least part of the facility in August.
The BGCOA received approval July 19 from the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) for a proposal to locate its facility in the former Brick building at 5106-5114 50th Ave.
The club is currently located at 5021 51 St., but staff have said they need more room for the $25 a day operation. They plan to look after up to 70 children with 16 staff.
BGCOA chair Raelynn Notley said now that its proposed location has been approved by the MPC, the club will choose a contractor to undertake renovations to the building. Notley is hopeful they'll be able to open their doors by October, although she stresses that's a tentative goal.
"We don't want to say anything concrete just in case things get delayed," she said during an interview with the Albertan.
During the MPC meeting, development officer Jane Archer said the club's proposal was circulated to 10 nearby landowners and none raised any objections.
She noted children are expected to be dropped off between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. and picked up after 5 p.m.
"Typically it takes about five minutes for the drop-off and pickup. We don't anticipate any intrusion on the commercial core because of the early drop-off and later pickup," Archer said.
The matter came to MPC because technically, the BGCOA could not provide enough parking stalls for the operation. They could provide 12 off the lane.
However, it was pointed out extra parking could be obtained in the nearby public lot adjacent to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
"You chose a great spot. It's roomy and you'll have room for everyone and offices and play areas. So congratulations on getting that," Coun. Debbie Bennett said.
MPC chair Andy Weiss agreed.
"I think this is an excellent use of that building and I wish you many, many years of success," he said.
