The Manitoba government is investing $6 million to support a revitalized Park Community Centre and non-profit child-care facility in downtown Brandon, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced in Brandon today.
“This investment in the Park Community Centre creates a new option for working families looking for affordable daycare services in downtown Brandon,” said Simard. “Once completed, the Park Community Centre will offer a safe and inclusive place to enjoy rec services, cultural and social events and a brand-new licensed daycare centre.”
A key component of the redevelopment of the Park Community Centre will be a licensed, non-profit child-care facility, ensuring more families in Brandon have access to affordable, high-quality care close to home, noted the minister.
“We’re really grateful for the Province of Manitoba’s investment in the Park Community Centre,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. “Right in the heart of our downtown, this place has been a cornerstone of our community for almost 80 years. Thanks to this provincial funding, the Park Community Centre will continue to be a vital part of our community for many more years to come.”
There will be 62 new child-care spaces in the centre to support families in Brandon.
“For many years, the Park Community Centre has been an inclusive community hall that lies in the heart of downtown Brandon,” said Ken Friedrich, president, Park Community Centre. “The Park has always been a hub for the community, a meeting place for the whole city so adding a child-care centre made absolute sense in order to service our growing population. We are grateful and excited to be able to continue our mission to provide a place for all and to offer more services than ever imagined before.”
This project reflects Manitoba’s strong commitment to expanding child care access through community partnerships and support for local, non-profit operators, noted the minister, and will contribute to the governments of Canada and Manitoba’s shared goal of creating 23,000 new licensed child-care spaces by 2026.
