Métis Child Care Centre on the horizon in Penetanguishene

Little Harbour Métis Childcare Centre in Penetanguishene to open later this year.

Tiny shovels broke ground at the future Little Harbour Métis Child Care Centre in Penetanguishene Friday.

A sod-turning ceremony took place on June 19 at the future site of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) centre, bringing together MNO leadership, local government officials, funders, and community members to mark the occasion.

“The development of the Little Harbour Métis Child Care Centre in Penetanguishene reflects our commitment to supporting Métis children, families, and communities,” said Mitch Case, MNO Provincial Secretary of Education.

“This centre will play a vital role in strengthening our Métis community by creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive while remaining deeply connected to their culture, heritage, and way of life,” said Case.

The new two-storey, 7,000-square-foot facility offers two preschool classrooms, two toddler classrooms, and one infant classroom, each with direct access to outdoor play areas.

Through the County of Simcoe’s Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Directed Growth initiative, the MNO has been awarded 32 childcare spaces for 2026, including six infant spaces, 10 toddler spaces, and 16 preschool spaces.

The building includes a staff room, staff and family support resource room, administration office, multi-purpose room, universal washroom, and elevator.

Designed to be barrier-free and accessible to all, the centre will comply with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards.

This project was funded by the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Program, a start-up grant from the County of Simcoe, and contributions from the Ontario and Canada governments.