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The Municipality of Mississippi Mills marked a major milestone on August 14, 2025, with the official groundbreaking for the new Mississippi Mills Childcare Services facility.
Municipal officials, community leaders and project partners gathered at the future site of the centre at 111 Menzie Street in Almonte to celebrate the beginning of construction. The new facility will expand on the centre’s existing spaces to accommodate an additional 78 licensed child care spaces enrolled in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system. This will double the current capacity, for a total of 151 spaces, helping improve access to high-quality and affordable child care in the region.
“We know that access to quality child care is much more than a convenience – it’s a cornerstone to a healthy, vibrant community, something this Council identified as a pillar in its strategic plan,” said Mississippi Mills Mayor Christa Lowry. “This is a space that will support families, empower educators and give our youngest citizens the strong start they deserve.”
This $10.5 million expansion project is supported by the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada. It is funded in part through a $2,130,705 grant from the Canada-Ontario Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Funding Agreement, in addition to a $704,400 Start-up Grant from the Canada-Ontario Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Funding is administered by Lanark County Children’s Services, as the consolidated municipal service manager.
“Affordable child care isn’t just about saving money. It helps children learn and grow in a safe place,” said Jenna Sudds, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and to the Secretary of State for Defence Procurement. “These 78 new Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care spaces will make parent’ lives easier while helping them save thousands of dollars on child care costs. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this happen for families and children in the Municipality of Mississippi Mills.”
“Congratulations to everyone involved in the groundbreaking of the new Mississippi Mills Childcare Services centre,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Once complete, it will give more families in the community access to high-quality, affordable child care and help children get the start they need to succeed in school and in life.”
“On behalf of Lanark County Council, we are proud to support the expansion of child care services in Lanark County through the CWELCC program,” said Lanark County Warden Toby Randell. “This new child care centre reflects our dedication to supporting families and strengthening communities by expanding access to essential child care services.”
The 13,000 square-foot facility doubles the capacity of the current child care centre located at 208 State Street in Almonte. It will be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification, reflecting environmentally conscious design and sustainable practices.
The new building will blend functionality, safety and warmth. Features include:
- Expanded learning areas with age-specific rooms tailored to support cognitive and physical growth
- Bright and open play areas encouraging exploration, movement and social interaction
- Nature-based play yard that is safe and secure
- Dedicated spaces for educators and staff, including administrative offices, resource storage and commercial kitchen
- Warm and inviting layout with generous natural light
The new facility is aiming to open in fall 2026.
No matter the child care option parents choose, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides direct, tax-free support, helping about 3.5 million families, including over 6 million children every year. While families can use the benefit however they need, for many it significantly reduces the burden of child care expenses – in some cases, cutting them entirely thanks to federal, provincial, and territorial investments to reduce child care fees in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system.
For more photos from the event: Mississippi Mills Childcare Project Sod Turning
Project Backgrounder: Mississippi Mills Childcare Expansion Project
Source: Mississippi Mills
