P.E.I. early learning centre reopens after 13-month renovation post Fiona

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ST. TERESA, P.E.I. – An early studying centre in St. Teresa which was closely broken by post-tropical storm Fiona has reopened after 13 months.

Final yr, Rainbow Starting Early Studying Centre was pressured to shut after Fiona ripped off its roof inflicting leaking from the upstairs of the daycare all the way down to the basement. The administration was left with no alternative however to close the daycare for every week to permit it to seek out momentary areas for the youngsters.

Jamie-Lynn Mosher, director of the centre, mentioned discovering a brief location sufficiently big to accommodate all 50 children on the centre was inconceivable.

So, they ended up dividing the youngsters into three completely different areas at St. Cuthbert’s Parish Corridor, the Peter Gordon Memorial Church and the previous Scotiabank location in Morell. 

“Some youngsters have been separated from their pals, however the youngsters tailored seamlessly like they at all times do,” mentioned Mosher.

For some dad and mom, the brand new areas meant longer drives, mentioned Mosher, with some having to drive an additional 20 minutes to choose up their children. 

“Our dad and mom have been so understanding and supportive. Sure, there have been some frustrations about further journey time, however our dad and mom have been actually understanding that we have been doing the perfect that we may with what we had.” 

Mosher mentioned final yr, she anticipated they’d be away for eight to 9 months, nevertheless it took 13 months for the constructing to be renovated. Nonetheless, she is glad they’re able to reopen and have all the youngsters in the identical constructing. 

“I knew it wasn’t going to be a fast turnaround. It was slightly bit longer than we initially anticipated. We’re so grateful to the group and the parish council for working laborious to navigate the insurance coverage claims and determine tips on how to repair this constructing.” 

The constructing, which was previously owned by St. Cuthbert’s Parish, was purchased late in 2022 by Lively Group Growth Inc., a company that gives assist for entrepreneurs in small enterprise startups or small enterprise enlargement, after struggles to get the centre up and working post-Fiona. 

Martina MacDonald, government director of ACDI, mentioned her group determined to purchase the constructing to assist the daycare proceed to offer the service it gives to the group after the church reached out to them. 

“Financial improvement is essential. What’s much more essential is that individuals in our group have childcare obtainable to them,” she mentioned. 

MacDonald mentioned the constructing was bought for $200,000 and was renovated with the assistance of presidency funding. 

The brand new constructing reopened Nov. 4 with a grand ceremony and tour. Mosher credit all reopening efforts to each the workers and oldsters. She mentioned some dad and mom came to visit to assist clear up the constructing after renovations. The newly renovated constructing is bigger with extra space and elevated capability for the centre. 

“Our new capability may very well be as excessive as 110. However the most license dimension on Prince Edward Island at the moment is 80.” 

There are regulatory modifications at the moment underway within the authorities to permit for an elevated capability, she mentioned.

Vivian Ulinwa is a reporter with SaltWire in Prince Edward Island. She might be reached by e mail at [email protected] and adopted on X @vivian_ulinwa.