More than 150 new child-care spaces are coming to Winnipeg. The provincial and federal governments announced Monday the new space will be part of the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, providing 152 spots for infants, pre-school and school-aged kids. “We are investing in stronger communities and we are expanding child care through the creation of the Faye Vickar Lazer Early Learning Centre,” said Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning. “The Simkin Centre will soon be welcoming kids through its doors. The centre will be located in a new wing of the Simkin Centre, known as the Gray Family Centre, an intergenerational hub where children, older adults, and families can grow and learn together.” The centre will be a 20,650-square-foot addition to the Simkin Centre and have space available for kids up to 12 years old. Part of the funding — $4.5 million — is coming from a joint capital grant from the Manitoba and Canadian governments that is specifically allocated for early learning and child care. The rest of the money — totalling $17.6 million — is from donations and grants to the Simkin Centre. “This will help address the growing need for high-quality child care in Winnipeg, while fostering meaningful relationships between children and Simkin Centre relationships,” said Laurie Cerqueti, the CEO of the centre. “Together, these investments are helping create a destination where child care, elder care, education, community gathering and lifelong learning will come together under one roof.” The child-care facility will be open to all eligible families. Construction is set to start later this year and the facility is scheduled to open in summer 2028.
