Childcare expansion hopes placed on hold in Sunderland

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Plans, for a long-awaited childcare expansion in Sunderland, have been put on hold, as the Durham District School Board (DDSB) confirmed, this week, it has been unable to secure the necessary funds to move the project forward.

“In 2021, the provincial government committed $1.6 million in funding to the Durham District School Board (DDSB), to support the development of a new child care facility, in the Sunderland community,” the Board wrote in a public update. “Following full project development, the estimated cost to construct the new facility came in significantly higher, at approximately $5.5 million, well beyond the available funding.”

Although the province later increased its commitment by 25 percent, bringing the total contribution to roughly $2 million, the DDSB was left to cover a shortfall of $3.5 million. Efforts to find external funding partners were ultimately unsuccessful.

“We know this news will be disappointing for many families, especially given the clear and growing need for more child care spaces in the community,” the DDSB statement continued. “While this project cannot proceed as planned, the DDSB remains committed to advocating for the needs of Sunderland families and working with provincial and community partners, to identify future opportunities for expanding child care access in Sunderland.”

The Board also confirmed, current early learning, as well as before and after-school programs, operating at Sunderland Public School, will continue without change.

For many local parents, the news is a blow.

“My son has been on a childcare wait-list since he was born,” said Amanda Kerr, a Sunderland resident. “We were counting on this new facility to help ease the pressure. What I don’t understand is why the old police station at Highway 12 and Albert Street can’t be used. It’s just sitting there empty.”

Another parent, Jason McDougall, echoed the frustration.

“There’s clearly a demand for more childcare in Sunderland,” he said. “Families are being left with no options, and it feels like we’re stuck in a holding pattern year after year. Something has to change. It feels like a great opportunity for someone starting a business, if they could find a suitable location.”

While the DDSB's update signals a pause on immediate construction, the statement emphasized, a long-term vision remains. “We continue to believe in the importance of increasing childcare options in Sunderland and will pursue future opportunities as they arise.”

In the meantime, local families will continue to juggle limited options and long wait-lists, hoping for a solution which meets the community’s growing needs.