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 renovations will transform existing space into classrooms for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children, as well as accessible washrooms, a kitchen, staff support areas, modern technology, and new outdoor play spaces.
“This is much more than a new childcare centre,” said Josh Myers, Director of Child Care and Early Years. “We’re creating a space where children can learn, grow and thrive while building meaningful connections with older generations. By bringing childcare and long-term care together, we’re creating opportunities that will enrich the lives of children, residents and families alike. At the same time, these new affordable spaces will help more parents participate in the workforce and strengthen our community as a whole.”
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.
