Municipal daycare centres to close

A delegation of parents addresses county council at a special meeting last Wednesday, asking for their support of municipal daycare centres.

By Andy Comber - February 3, 2010

Loud applause greeted county councillors last Wednesday, after they unanimously called on the City of Windsor to defer closure of any municipal daycare centres.

Councillors questioned the recommendations of the city’s social services department to close all seven daycare centres including centres in Amherstburg and Tecumseh. They said the decision would be "premature" without broad consultations with the county, parents and staff.

"I have a whole list of things I'd like to ask the city," said Essex Mayor Ron McDermott.

"We have to make sure the city meets with us," McDermott said. "We shouldn't just ask. We should demand they meet with us."

Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Tom Burton said he was surprised the city would close the centres when the region is still reeling from the recession. He said about 125 jobs could be lost.

"I can't believe they are eliminating jobs," Burton said. "It's just ridiculous in my mind."

The report by Ronna Warsh, the city's community development and health commissioner, noted a decline in enrolment at most centres since 2007, and 24 per cent in the past year across the whole system. She said there are enough non-profit and private operations to absorb the 425 children impacted by the closures.

Another influencing factor is the province's plan to implement full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds over the next five years. The report said that would further hurt enrolment numbers.

Warden Nelson Santos said the city would be asked to defer any decision or debate until there has been a joint meeting of both councils. Windsor council was set to examine the issue Feb. 1.