By Lara Fominoff @LaraFominoff on Twitter

Lethbridge YMCA to open new downtown $25 a day childcare facility

Apr 25, 2018 | 2:33 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Construction is already underway for a new, one million-dollar, 82 space daycare in Lethbridge Centre; part of the provincial government’s expansion of its $25-dollar per day pilot program.

Premier Rachel Notley and Children’s Services Minister Danielle Larivee made the announcement in Edmonton Wednesday morning.

“We are extending our $25-dollar a day Childcare Pilot Program,” said Notley. “That pilot program started with affordable spaces at 22 early learning and childcare centres. Together now, with the Federal Government, we are adding 100 more centres to that pilot program.”

That includes 6,000 new spaces for children across the province. 18 additional centres will be added in the next few months.

In Lethbridge, YMCA Marketing Director Ross Jacobs said the new facility will be open in the fall of 2018.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“We started demolition a week-and-a-half, two weeks ago and we were just waiting for the final processes of the development permit to go through to begin construction. It’ll be a really unique facility, and we’re really excited to have that opening and to show it to the public in the fall.”

The YMCA will also have another location opening in west Lethbridge at the new ATB Centre in the spring of 2019, although at this point, it won’t be part of the $25-dollar a day program.

There hasn’t been a specific dollar amount or funding amount announced. Jacobs says it’s based on use and individual sign-ups and daycare usage. The YMCA is also contributing to the cost of construction.

“There is some funds that have been basically- we’re taking into account the revenue that we would take from the facility to help build this facility. Also, our partnership with Lethbridge Centre has made this possible.”

The daycare will be open to children ages 19 months to five years, and it’s a first come, first served basis.

“What we’ve decided to do is put up a public waiting list open to all. So, if you do go to www.lethbridgeymca.ca/childcare, there is a waiting list sign up there.”

The cost of a full-time, licensed daycare, depending on the age of the child can range from $1000 to $2000 or more per month.

The cost of the YMCA program will be just under $550 per month for all children, regardless of age, for a full-time space.

Part-time spaces will also be open, with the cost to range from about $100 to $300 per month, depending on how many days per week the child attends.

A $50 registration fee is required for each child’s space once they’ve been accepted into the program.

Jacobs says they will also need to hire nearly two dozen jobs to start off.

“We’re looking at at least 20 jobs or more in the facility. As it grows, probably closer to 50, but it’s really dependent on the ratios and the age of the applicant children.”

The new daycare will be located on the second floor of Lethbridge Centre, with parking for pick-up and drop-off, an outdoor space, and multiple program rooms.

Agape Day Care and Children’s House Child Care Society will also offer the $25 per day childcare in Lethbridge, while Opokaa’sin Child Care centre was already part of the pilot program.

Across southwestern Alberta, Taber Child Care Centre, Vulcan Daycare Society and Canyon School Daycare in Pincher Creek will also offer the program.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.