Families in Keewatin and the surrounding area now have greater access to high-quality child care, thanks to the official grand opening of the St. Louis Early Learning Child Care Centre held on June 26.
Hosted by the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB), in partnership with the Kenora Catholic District School Board (KCDSB) the celebration featured opening remarks, a land acknowledgement, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and tours of the newly renovated space inside St. Louis Living Arts School.
David Lindsay, representing Grand Council Treaty #3, opened the event with a land acknowledgement, honouring the traditional territories on which the school and new centre are located. The ribbon cutting was a joyful moment shared by Mayor Andrew Poirier, MPP Greg Rickford, local dignitaries, and several children from the new child care centre. Families and guests were invited to explore the beautiful new space during tours following the ceremony.
The new centre offers 15 licensed child care spaces, including one family age group room, in a thoughtfully designed, safe, and nurturing environment that supports children's early development. Located within the school building, the centre helps ease the transition from child care into Kindergarten supporting families with accessible, flexible, and consistent care from early years through to elementary school.
"This is a joyful day for our families and our community," said Teresa Gallik, Chair of the KCDSB. "The new centre is a beautiful, safe, and welcoming space where young children can grow, explore, and thrive right within the very building where they may one day begin their school journey."
MPP Greg Rickford praised the project's impact:
"What an exciting day for the young families of Keewatin and beyond. Through collaboration between the KDSB, KCDSB, and our government, we're delivering real results that give children a stronger start and ensure parents have access to high-quality, local child care options they can count on."
The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, also extended his congratulations:
"Congratulations on the grand opening of the St. Louis School Child Care Centre in Kenora. This retrofit is a step in the right direction and an example of the investments we're making to open more child care spaces for working parents. We're supporting families, strengthening communities, and giving children the opportunity to thrive."
Sarah Stevenson, Acting CEO of the Kenora District Services Board, emphasized the positive impact on children and families:
"It is a privilege to participate in the grand opening of the St. Louis Early Learning Child Care Centre. This centre will deliver high-quality care that promotes children's health, emotional well-being, social skills, cognitive development, and creativity. I want to thank the Kenora Catholic District School Board for their essential partnership in this initiative and MPP Greg Rickford for his commitment to making child care more accessible for families in Keewatin."
The centre was made possible through $400,000 in funding from the Ministry of Education's Early Years Capital Program, part of a broader $600 million provincial initiative to improve child care infrastructure across Ontario. The investment reflects a strong commitment to supporting working families and enhancing access to early learning across the province.
Nicole Kurtz, Director of Education for KCDSB, also attended the celebration alongside children, families, and community leaders.
The St. Louis Early Learning Child Care Centre is located at 420 8th Street within St. Louis Living Arts School, a community school known for its creative arts programming, inclusive environment, and strong sense of community. The addition of the child care centre enhances its role as a vibrant hub for early learning and family support in the region.
