More childcare spaces are coming to Chatham by the end of the year.
Chatham-Kent Council unanimously approved using up to $2,068,811.91 from the Early Learning Child Care Infrastructure Fund to renovate space at Riverview Gardens for a new childcare centre.
Council also awarded the construction contract to Vince Ferro Construction, whose bid of $1,713,507 was the lowest compliant submission. The renovation of the first-floor temporary office space at Riverview Gardens will create 49 new affordable childcare spaces.
The project is part of Ontario’s commitment under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program to create 86,000 new licensed childcare spaces by the end of 2026. Chatham-Kent received a target increase of 121 childcare spaces in 2025, helping pave the way for the Riverview Gardens project.
The Municipality will own the childcare facility, while a non-profit operator, selected through a separate process, will deliver childcare services.
The centre will be operational by the end of December in order to meet the province’s expansion directive and will have no cost to tax payers.
