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Pemberton Childcare Society entering new phase

October AGM provides opportunity for infusion of new blood

The next year is critical for the five-year-old Pemberton Childcare Society. The non-profit organization will be realizing its goal of establishing a freestanding, $900,000, 3,000 sq. ft. childcare facility designed with an eye to expansion.

The building is planned for the lot adjacent to the Pemberton library at the corner of Cottonwood and Portage streets. The PCS expects to enter an agreement with the Village of Pemberton within the next week-and-a-half, pending a review of the document by its legal counsel.

Chair Stephanie Coughlin and vice-chair Lisa Ames are inviting interested members of the community to attend the organization’s annual general meeting and membership drive on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pemberton Community Centre.

"We’re not looking for a specific set of skills from members. We’re looking for people who are passionate about childcare," said Coughlin.

That passion translates into a commitment to attending a monthly board meeting and sitting on one of the organization’s four committees: finance, building, fundraising and operations.

For both Ames and Coughlin, being involved in the PCS is about more than building a childcare facility; it’s about building a future for the community’s children. A needs assessment commissioned by the organization two years ago showed that people wanted "healthy, sustainable childcare" and that programs for infants and toddlers were a priority.

The plan for the development of the new facility that will meet those mandates is in place.

"We’re not looking for people to build (the centre)," emphasized Ames.

The new board will be responsible for overseeing its execution and adjusting the schedule as necessary to facilitate a September 2006 opening of the Pemberton Children’s Centre.

The PCS expects to strike a building committee within three weeks, with the next major step being taking the project to tender in the beginning of January, with the expectation of breaking ground mid-February.

Nominations for board members will be taken from the floor at the AGM. For more information, or to express you interest in running for the PCS board, contact Stephanie Coughlin at 604-894-5979.