Partnership to Create 42 New Licensed Child Care Spaces in Cardinal

The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and YMCA of Eastern Ontario are pleased to announce a partnership that will create 42 new licensed child care spaces in Cardinal, helping improve access to affordable, licensed child care for families across the region.

The project supports the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville's Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Directed Growth Strategy, which identified Cardinal and Spencerville as communities requiring additional licensed child care spaces to help meet current and future demand.

United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke said: “Creating new licensed child care spaces is an investment in our families and communities. Counties Council is proud to support this partnership, which will make it easier for families in Edwardsburgh Cardinal and across Leeds and Grenville to access affordable, high-quality child care. These new spaces help meet a growing need in our region."

A new purpose-built child care centre is planned for construction at 4055 Dishaw Street in Cardinal, on Township-owned land across from the Ingredion Centre. Once complete, the Township will lease the facility to YMCA of Eastern Ontario, which will operate the licensed child care centre.

Mayor Tory Deschamps highlighted the importance of the project for the community: "Municipalities play an important role in creating communities where people want to live, work and raise a family. We're proud to support a project that will make it easier for local families to access licensed child care close to home."

Each partner is contributing its expertise to make the project possible. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville are supporting the project through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) initiative, with funding provided through the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Infrastructure Fund. The Township is constructing the facility, while YMCA of Eastern Ontario will obtain licensing approvals and operate the child care centre. The site is expected to welcome children by the end of 2026.

"We're pleased to partner with the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville to bring more licensed child care spaces to the community," said Rob Adams, CEO of YMCA of Eastern Ontario. "With decades of experience delivering high-quality licensed child care, we know the important role early learning plays in helping children thrive and giving families the support they need to work, learn and grow. We're proud to be part of a partnership that will expand access to licensed child care for families in Cardinal and the surrounding area."

Construction activities will begin this summer, with site servicing and foundation work occurring first, followed by installation of the prefabricated building and interior finishes.

Residents may notice increased construction activity in the area over the coming months. Temporary traffic or facility impacts related to construction will be communicated in advance whenever possible.

Project updates will be shared on this page throughout construction.