A coordinated effort is underway to come up with a new childcare solution in Watford before September.
Lambton Rural Child Care has announced it will end its before and after school program at East Lambton Elementary School in June.
Warwick Township Mayor Todd Case said he was made aware of the program's discontinuation when a letter went home to parents.
"It was very concerning," said Case. "We have a huge waiting list for daycare here in our community. St. Peter Canisius School provides this service as well, but there's a huge waiting list. It was really concerning that there was no communication at all to the municipality or the County of Lambton that this was going to happen."
Case said he was told the program is ending due to a "lack of resources."
"But again, if lack of resources is an issue that needs to be talked about, we as a municipality would appreciate that the organization would reach out to us to see if there's anything we could do to assist," said Case.
The mayor is skeptical of the closure following recent announcements to enhance childcare in Petrolia and Camlachie.
"I'm all for [new facilities] as a county councillor, but it almost seems to me like that's happening at our expense. They're going to need more people in those facilities, so lets just potentially cut East Lambton out of the equation -- the Warwick/Watford area -- because we have an issue there for which we have to staff. So, I'm not saying that's the case, but it almost appears to be the way it is."
Case is hopeful a new provider will be found.
"We're proud of our community. We are a growing community and that service is needed," he said. "Like we say, everybody has a gap, there's a [childcare] shortfall everywhere. And again, where I come from I'm one of those guys... reach out, talk to us, tell us what the issues are. Maybe there's something we can do to help."
Case said he's thankful county staff started working right away with the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) and other potential providers to find a solution.
The coordinated effort was confirmed to Sarnia News Today in a joint public statement from County of Lambton Children’s Services Department Manager Kim Godin.
“The Lambton Kent District School Board is working in close partnership with the County of Lambton Children’s Services department to explore all viable solutions to ensure that before and after school care will be available in the Watford area by September 2025. We recognize the value of accessible childcare, understand the concerns of families and the community, and are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process,” it read.
Lambton Rural Child Care Executive Director Lori Veroude told Sarnia News Today it was a difficult decision to close the East Lambton Best Start Program after 15 years of dedicated service to the Watford community.
"This decision was not made lightly but is necessary due to ongoing challenges in meeting the long-term goals outlined in our organization’s strategic plan regarding operating a stand-alone childcare program," Veroude said. "Over the years, Lambton Rural Child Care has proudly provided high-quality, nurturing care to children and families throughout Lambton and Kent Counties, a commitment we will continue to uphold moving forward."
She said the organization remains fully committed to supporting families and is also working with the LKDSB and county to explore viable solutions.
"We thank the community for their trust and support over the years and will continue to prioritize
the well-being and needs of the children and families we serve," she said.
The program will end on June 26.