Children's centre requests rent reprieve
Trail Daily Times
Oct 7 2010
By: Jim Bailey

The rent is due for a Rossland children's centre but proponents hope the city will waive the cost, if not for them, then for the kids.

The Rossland Child Care Society approached Rossland city council Monday asking to extend their rent-free arrangement for the Golden Bear Children Centre.

According to a 2007 agreement, the centre should have started paying $500 per month plus tax as of Sept. 1.

"The additional cost of paying rent would seriously strain our operating budget," said society board member Kate Mahoney.

Under the five-year deal, the city afforded the centre three years of free rent in exchange for a capital investment that resulted in close to $200,000 in renovations. Through capital funds, grants and volunteers, the society has made significant improvements to the once dilapidated building on Spokane Street.

"In light of the significant capital investment in the property that we have made since we began leasing the property in 2007, the ongoing cost of maintaining the program and the essential service that we offer, we respectively request an extension of the rent waiver in lieu of the capital investments we have made," she said.

Golden Bear is the only licensed non-profit centre in Rossland, employs seven people and performs a vital service to the community, said centre director Rebecca Stirling.

While council recognized the centre's important contribution to the community, given last week's school district report on the potential closing of Rossland Secondary School, council remains concerned with cutbacks.

"I'm sure you've heard about the condition we're in with regards to our schools and keeping our schools open, and Neighbourhoods of Learning is a concept we're exploring," said councillor Jill Spearn.

"Would you entertain any idea of moving? As a community, we may have to pull it together and work more efficiently within the buildings that we the city or the school board owns," she added.

The centre relies on parent fees ($800-$1,000 per child per month) to take care of operating costs, which are some of the highest in the Kootenays, in addition to keeping and paying qualified employees in a growing and competitive market.

The centre also has a waiting list for infants and toddlers, an indication of not only the need for the service but also a healthy increase in the younger population, suggests Stirling….