Richard Froese
South Peace News
Big Lakes County has committed money to fund a new regional childcare society that will be based in High Prairie.
At its regular meeting June 11, council agreed to commit $75,000 to the Big Lakes Child Care Society to purchase the Safe Haven Day Care facility located east of High Prairie Elementary School.
Joussard Councillor Richard Mifflin says the new daycare service is needed.
“We don’t have enough childcare services in our region,” Mifflin says.
During debate, Reeve Tyler Airth reminded council that the organization is a non-profit society.
A society delegation spoke to council at its regular meeting May 14 and requested $75,000 to acquire the facility and operational funds necessary to ensure the daycare remains accessible and sustainable, Joe Zdeb, director of corporate services, told council.
“The society positions itself as a dedicated entity addressing the escalating demand for reliable, safe, and trustworthy childcare solutions within the Big Lakes County area,” Zdeb said.
The society’s board of directors comprises a group of committed parents who have a vested interest in the success of the daycare, gaining society status in May 2025.
The society aims to deliver quality care and exceptional educational opportunities for children while providing robust support to families.
The society’s competitive advantage is rooted in its unwavering commitment to high standards of safety and regulation, clearly setting it apart from unregistered home daycares.
The strategy to purchase and transform an existing daycare facility will facilitate the immediate utilization of existing resources and clientele, ensuring a seamless transition and continued service to the community.
Before the society was officially incorporated, a group of parents was taking steps to form a society, states a letter from the group in the May 14 council agenda package.
“We are working diligently to provide a solution and some relief for employed and engaged families in our community,” the letter states.
“Our immediate goal is to obtain a facility in our community and expand it to accommodate more childcare options.
“We have a long-term goal of opening up an all-age inclusive facility, creating safe and long-term child care for families in all stages of parenting.”