Saskatoon will be getting another licensed daycare facility as the YMCA of Saskatoon has been given a sixth childcare license. The new daycare centre will be located in the Aspen Ridge community northeast of Saskatoon. Premier Scott Moe and Education Minister Dustin Duncan announced a joint venture between the provincial and federal government to invest 28.8 million dollars into the development of much needed childcare spaces.

The money will be given to 31 communities and 38 organizations to provide high quality, affordable and licensed childcare to Saskatchewan families. YMCA CEO Dean Dodge says families are under pressure to find available childcare spots in the community. The new location is set to open in late 2023 or early 2024.
He says a wait list that is open and fair to all will be part of an announcement in the near future.

Meanwhile, to increase the number of regulated childcare home providers in Saskatchewan, the province has launched a public awareness campaign to promote the benefits of becoming a regulated provider of childcare in your home.  Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, says, “As work continues to expand the number of childcare spaces across the province, regulated home-based childcare will continue to be a core component of a Canada-wide system.

There are financial incentives to support some of the initial and ongoing costs including grants to support home renovations to provide optimal environments for childcare, monthly nutrition grants, fire, health and safety grants, and grants for play and exploration equipment and activities.