Lennox and Addington County Council has been informed that funding for 49 new childcare spaces could be delayed due to a discrepancy in how the province measures growth targets under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program.
Acting Director of Social Services Pam Kent said recent communication from the Ministry of Education showed a higher number of childcare spaces than actually exist. This mismatch has created pressure on planned projects, as funding cannot be released until the issue is resolved. The total number of at-risk spaces could increase depending on 2025-26 reporting.
Councillor Tony Fritsch stressed that all childcare projects must be completed by December 2026, while Councillor John Wise urged council to monitor the situation closely and involve the local MPP if projects are seriously at risk.
Kent said the county has contacted the province and is waiting for clarification on reported childcare spaces before moving forward with the new projects.
