EXCERPTS:
The idea of a child care and services hub in North Perth is closer to a reality.
Some funding still has to be secured, but plans for the proposed "North Perth Day Care Centre and Best Start Child and Family Centre" are moving forward. Council has approved the business plan.
The municipality is partnering with the Avon Maitland District School Board to include the proposed facility in it's new school project.
Clerk Patricia Berfelz says there is a need for enhanced programs and services because 2011 census data shows an increase in the number of children in North Perth.
According to Berfelz, if the North Perth Day Care Centre, the Best Start program and child services are combined in a new facility at the new school location - it will be a first in Perth County. The estimated cost is $2,086,000 dollars, with contributions expected from several partners. The new hub could open in 2015.
-reprinted from Blackburn News