The site for a new YMCA daycare on New Glasgow’s east side has been chosen. The new daycare, which will have 50 openings including 16 reserved for infant care will be at the former Brown School at the end of Temperance Street.
“January 2020 is when we’re slating to open,” said YMCA Executive Director Tammy Goodwin. “We know the need is for September, but we are not able to meet that deadline because we’re getting a brand-new building.”
The property, which was purchased by MacGillivray Properties Ltd. in 2015 for $10,000. It was later torn down and the new daycare facility will be built in its place.
“A designer came in and talked to the staff asking what they like and don’t like about the current childcare centre,” Goodwin told The News. “So, we can take the strengths and challenges and put it in the new design.”
One of the things on the wish-list was an improved lane making it easier for parents to pick up and drop off their kids.
“The front of the childcare will have its own drop off for parents,” said Goodwin. “That’s golden. That means parents won’t have to traipse across a whole parking lot.”
But the impetus behind opening a second YMCA childcare in New Glasgow was from the need felt by the community.
“One of the things that I’ve heard is that the people in Ward 1 miss the Y, and if they don’t drive then they don’t have access,” Goodwin told The News last month. “I see this as a way to get back into their community.”
Goodwin says that the Brown School location, which is technically in Ward 2, will serve both Ward 1 and 2 in walking distance as well as commuters throughout the county.
