Child Care Expansion in the City of Kenora – KDSB and Confederation College sign Agreement

An exciting development will take place for families in the City of Kenora. As part of the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) and the Province's plan to create 1,004 new Child Care spaces across the District over the next 4 years, the KDSB and Confederation College–Lake of the Woods Campus have entered into an agreement for on-site campus space that will support the creation of 49 new Child Care spaces. KDSB's Child Care Direct Delivery Team will operate the child care centre on campus.

As part of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Expansion Plan, it is expected that 277 additional childcare spaces are to be implemented within the City of Kenora over the 4-year expansion period. The future 4,040 square foot child care centre space within Confederation College's Lake of the Woods campus is anticipated to provide ten infant spaces, fifteen toddler spaces, and twenty-four preschool spaces pending the finalization of leasehold improvement plans and details.

"We are thrilled about this opportunity and what a new Early Learning and Child Care Centre will mean for families and the community. I want to thank Confederation College for this opportunity and partnership. The new Child Care Centre is a perfect opportunity to collaborate with students at the Lake of the Woods Campus attending the Early Childhood Education training programs. The Child Care Centre will allow for hands-on, on-site training within a high-quality child care centre program. The creation of 49 new spaces will be welcoming news for families requiring child care," says Henry Wall, Chief Administrative Officer of the KDSB.

Angelina Anderson, Director of the Lake of the Woods campus echoed Wall's enthusiasm about the project. "We are extremely proud to be a part of this vital initiative. This partnership with KDSB reinforces Confederation College's commitment to community development and highlights our role in addressing the pressing need for high-quality childcare in the Kenora area. By bringing together educational excellence and essential community services, we are creating a brighter future for our students, their families, and the wider community," Anderson said.

"This partnership represents an opportunity for our ECE students in Kenora to integrate practical, hands-on experiences directly into our curriculum through this collaboration. Our students will be uniquely equipped with the real-world skills and experience they need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families," says Kathleen Lynch, President of Confederation College.

Over the coming months, renovations will occur at the Child Care Centre, and is anticipated to open in the spring of 2025. More details regarding the Confederation College-Lake of the Woods Campus Child Care Centre development will be provided in the near future.