Steinbach council approves new daycare location

The approval of a conditional use by Steinbach city council on Tuesday paves the way for a new daycare in the community.

Council approved the conditional use to allow the daycare to be built in an area zoned commercial mix use at 59 Market Boulevard.

Dana Cyrenne, executive director for Kinder Corner said the 2,600 square foot space that is planned will be their fourth location in Steinbach.

Currently they provide 183 daycare spots in the community.

The fourth will offer 32 more preschool spots.

While more daycare is needed, Cyrenne admits this will not address the backlog.

“We actually have over 500 families on our wait list at any given time,” she said.

The daycare is expected to be open by fall of 2025.

Cyrenne said she was pleased to see councillors support the concept.

“It’s great that everybody’s recognizing that need too,” she said. “It’s a big struggle for families.”

Cyrenne said the new $10 per day childcare has made it possible for more parents to return to the workforce.

“With the old rates parents would struggle because one entire paycheque would go to covering childcare fees,” she said.

Coun. Susan Penner made the motion to grant the conditional use, calling the proposed location “excellent”.

It’s located in the Millbrook Market development south of Superstore and home to HyLife.

“We all know daycare spaces are very important in this day and age where families often have to have two incomes to be able to make ends meet,” she said.

Coun. Damian Penner seconded the motion.

“For a lot of families reliable childcare isn’t just a want, it’s essential for them to be able to have employment,” he said.

A city planner report echoed those same sentiments.

“The city has recently seen residential development within the northwest area of the city with Millbrook Market and Langill Farms,” the report stated. “It only makes sense to create additional childcare spaces within this area of the city. Millbrook Market is being developed as a mixed-use site. The addition of a daycare makes sense for this development.”