It's hoped a planned daycare development at the Wyoming United Church will fill a large gap in the need for childcare services.
Ross George and Mark Steadman, of George and Steadman Properties, outlined their plans at a recent town council meeting.
The project will see the addition of a playground, and three rooms; one each for infants, toddlers and preschool children.
The waiting list for childcare services is around 130 families in Plympton-Wyoming.
George said the partnership makes a lot of sense.
“It’s no secret that there’s a shortage of childcare in our rural communities, particularly the Petrolia-Wyoming area is kind of a hotspot," said George.
George said the church will continue to operate as normal, even during the construction, with their Sunday services and other events.
"They will have access to their sanctuary, and they will be able to continue their regular worship," he said. “What we’re going to be doing is repurposing the balance of the building, which has been underutilized for a number of years now."
George was asked about security measures after a car, driven by a 70-year-old crashed into a daycare in Richmond Hill last month.
A one and a half year old by was killed, and several others were injured.
"It's still a very fluid situation, we haven't got too much direction from the Education Ministry," said George. "They have given direction to all childcare operators to provide any means necessary for childcare rooms and outdoor play spaces. In this particular instance, our intention is to incorporate armour stone landscaping. Where we're not able to fit armour stone, we will utilize posts to prevent any sort of tragedy."
George said a fire alarm system will also be installed to ensure the building is up to code, and there will be security cameras with 24/7 monitoring.
The facility will be operated by Kiddies Korner daycare, which also runs George and Steadman Properties' sites in Courtright and Brigden.
Construction is expected to take place during much of 2026, and it's hoped the spaces can open later in the year.
