The Ormstown-based CPE Abracadabra unveiled the results of its expansion project at its La Petite Magie location in Sainte-Martine on June 18.
The work to renovate and enlarge the existing installation, which took less than seven months to complete, will allow for the addition of 18 new childcare spaces, increasing the total capacity from 62 to 80 children. The project doubles the number of spaces for infants from 10 to 20, while adding eight additional spaces for toddlers. The increased capacity has also led to the creation of four permanent positions for early childcare educators.
The brief inauguration ceremony was attended by Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette, Chateauguay MNA Marie-Belle Gendron, Sainte-Martine’s Mayor Mélanie Lefort, members of the CPE Abracadabra board of directors, and several project collaborators and businesses that supported the initiative.
“A CPE is a valuable asset to a community. The quality of education provided by the CPE Abracadabra is an essential safeguard for children in the region,” said executive director Nancy Ashton, who thanked Sainte-Martine for its continued support. The municipality donated land in 2018 for the construction of the Maison des Copains childcare centre and offers the daycare centres daily access to municipal facilities.
Mayor Lefort referred to the expansion as excellent news for area families. “Every new daycare spot makes a real difference in the lives of our young families. Offering 18 additional spaces is a concrete response to a very real need in our community,” she said. (SR)