Riverview Gardens (RVG) has become more than a long-term care home. In fact, it’s experiencing a rejuvenation of sorts.
In an effort to expand access to affordable child care, the municipality will renovate some space at RVG to house a new licensed child-care centre.
The project will create 49 new affordable childcare spaces in central Chatham, according to a municipal press release, helping address a shortage of licensed child care for children from birth to four years of age.
The new centre will be owned by the municipality and operated by a non-profit child-care provider selected through a separate competitive process.
“This project is another example of how Chatham-Kent continues to invest in the services that families need,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff in a media release. “Adding 49 new affordable childcare spaces to our community will help parents access quality care close to home while supporting our continued growth. I want to thank the provincial and federal governments for investing in this important project and helping make affordable child care more accessible for Chatham-Kent families.”
The renovations will transform existing space within Riverview Gardens into a purpose-built child-care centre featuring classrooms for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children, accessible washrooms, a kitchen, staff support areas, modern technology and new outdoor play spaces.
“This is much more than a new child-care centre,” said Josh Myers, director of child care and early years. “We’re creating a space where children can learn, grow and thrive while building meaningful connections with older generations. By bringing childcare and long-term care together, we’re creating opportunities that will enrich the lives of children, residents and families alike.”
The project is funded through the Early Learning Child Care Infrastructure Fund, supported by the provincial and federal governments. There is no cost to municipal property taxpayers for the construction of the new centre.
Construction is expected to be completed later this year, with the new child care spaces anticipated to open before the end of 2026.
