ESTEVAN - Estevan is one step closer in is getting some relief on the lack of available childcare spaces in the city.
Estevan city council approved a development permit for a proposed 90-space childcare centre during Monday night’s meeting. It would be a 24-hour day care centre located in the professional services building known as the West Estevan Mall, located off Nicholson Road, south of St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Land development services manager Richard Neufeld told council that he has received just one phone call about the project, and it was from somebody expressing their support.
Mayor Roy Ludwig said this is a “fantastic” development for the community, while Coun. Shelly Veroba said a 24-hour day care would be great news with so many shift workers in Estevan.
A parking analysis on the property has shown that there is more than sufficient parking to accommodate the proposed project without limiting parking availability to the remainder of the property.
An outdoor play area would be located adjacent to the north and east portion of the building.
The lack of daycare spaces in the community has been frequently discussed for a while, hindering some parents' ability to return to the workplace. It was discussed at length during the Estevan Chamber of Commerce's Coffee Talk with Estevan MLA Lori Carr in February.
A future edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
