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Lampman wants to have a new childcare facility

Committee believes having a childcare centre in Lampman would carry a number of benefits.
Stephanie Zoer, Freelance Reporter
Stephanie Zoer, Freelance Reporter
lampman-childcare-initiative
The board for the childcare centre in Lampman is, back row, from left, Cornelia Michaelsen, Susanna Thompson, Stacey Kerslake and Stephanie Wourms. Front row, from left, Adeline Thompson, Oliver Thompson, and Kiara Michaelsen. Photo courtesy of the Family Centre

LAMPMAN - The councils of the Town of Lampman and the RM of Browning, along with the Lampman Family Centre Committee, are looking into the possibilities of a childcare facility in Lampman.

According to Councillor Dustin Ferguson, childcare is one of the largest expenses incurred monthly for young working families.

It is the goal of Lampman and surrounding areas to offer affordable childcare. It is one way they are hoping to help families with the rising cost of living.

Although the process is only in its infancy, they also feel having a childcare facility in Lampman may bring new families to the community.

“We need to determine if the demand for such a facility is high enough,” said Ferguson. 

“The feasibility and obtaining quality staff would be the biggest hurdle,” he added.

The Government of Saskatchewan has been helping to provide the tools to plan this properly as well.

First, those looking to bring the facility to Lampman need to know how many children would use the facility. At present, they have 20 children applying, but Ferguson said, ideally, they need 30-50 kids to move this forward.

The growth factor of the town must also be considered when choosing a facility.

They would also need a building, and they have several options in the town, but are leaning towards a new building as they have vacant lots in Lampman.

“The children’s safety is our utmost concern, and we feel a new building would be the safest for our children with all the up-to-date necessities,” said Ferguson.

Quality care is also important and hiring the proper number of skilled staff will be needed.

If they determine that they will have enough children to sustain a childcare facility, they will apply for funding in early 2023.

Ferguson is asking for residents of Lampman and surroundings areas that would use the childcare facility to contact the Lampman Family Centre Facebook page with the number of children and ages before Dec. 10.

“This is a great opportunity to invest in our youth and an investment in our youth, is an investment in our future,” said Ferguson.