EXCERPTS

Grey County has approved some expansions including 28 new spaces in childcare facilities in Owen Sound, Durham and Holstein.

Le Jardin St. Dominique in Owen Sound won't see more spaces, but will see some redesign to make the centre more comfortable for infants.

Spruce Ridge Kids & Us in Durham will move from Rockwood Terrace and see 15 more toddler spaces and four more preschool spaces as well as a larger commercial kitchen where all meals for before and after school programs can be made.

The Kids & Us in Holstein will see eight more preschool spots and one more toddler spot. The construction of a standalone building is planned to replace old portables.
 
County staff say taxpayer dollars are not being used for the projects.

The work is being paid for by the Ministry of Education through a 2017-2018 Early Years Capital Program. It's a $1.6 billion investment in capital funding to create new care spaces for children aged 0 to 4 years.  

But Grey County staff also note that while child care operators have currently kept the cost of licensed spaces on the lower end of the provincial averages, that may change in a few years.  

Staff say once the builds are done in 2022, operating grant money may be reduced which could make local child care fees increase.

Ontario announced a new CARE tax credit in this year's budget which staff say may offset possible increased child care costs.