On behalf of the Fernie Child Care Society, Ronan MacCon appeared before City Council on October 9 to ask them to take a lead role in negotiating with School District 5, to secure a long-term lease for child care space in the former Max Turyk School.

The Provincial Government recently announced that it is investing $12.5 million in major capital funding to support the creation of licensed child care spaces. The funding will provide incentives to daycare facilities in existing unused space in public buildings, such as schools.

"We have a great opportunity here to apply for a grant for use in public spaces," said MacCon. "We would like the city to take the lead to get the school... to make it a community asset and we think we would be a good anchor within this community space."

A prerequisite for the funding is proof of a rental or lease agreement by November 30, which is the deadline for the Society to submit an application for the grant.

Council passed a resolution agreeing to assist the Fernie Child Care Society in negotiating a lease agreement with the School District …