P.A. organization fears road closure will spell end to daycare and youth program

The property, which was taken over by HOP in 2021, includes both the Little Warriors program for at-risk youth and the daycare. Due to its location, HOP is able to offer land-based learning such as nature walks. Noting the early learning centre is their primary driver of revenue, offering 45 daycare spots, Leblanc stated he had looked to increase it to 90.

“But now we are worried about even being able to be open for 45 sports, it’s gonna be a challenge,” he said noting the increase in travel time and costs for their families, who in some cases are already struggling to make ends meet.

While Leblanc acknowledged the families he has spoken to so far have assured him they aren’t going anywhere, he still remains worried.

“Maybe I’m naive but I’m hopeful that somebody, somewhere is going to look at go and go, geez we didn’t realize the impact.”

HOP’s Early Learning Centre provides 45 daycare spots. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Pauline Dreaver has a three-year-old son at the daycare and explained the road closure adds 15 minutes to her already rushed morning routine.

“I just wish there was an entrance off the highway. It would make it so much easier for us it get into the daycare and get out,” she said.

Noting the difficulties her son experienced at his previous daycare and the wait lists that are occurring across the province, Dreaver fears the possibility of it shutting down.

“The change that I’ve seen in him while attending this daycare is amazing,” she said. “To me, it feels like I’m dropping him off with family.”

Sam Sarrazin has a one-year-old girl attending and wonders what will happen in the event police or ambulance suddenly need to get to the daycare.

“As we all know with any emergency, seconds and minutes are critical, especially when it comes to little children,” she said.

The entire property employs around 30 staff, including 18 at the daycare. Mary Rose Naytowhow works as an Elder at the property and feels the program has great value. She noted the addiction issues in the area and families living in disfunction

“And those are the kids we work with”, she said

It appears some families driving out from Prince Albert have already taken steps to create their own access road. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Response from the RM and Ministry of Highways

According to a statement provided by the RM of Buckland administration, the Ministry of Highways (MOH) led a consultation process with the City of Prince Albert, the RM, affected land owners, and the public.

The RM Council indicated to the MOH through numerous meetings that they would prefer to see 15^th Street NW (dump road) built up to a safe standard from Whitfield Road to Highway 2.

“The MOH’s decision was not to proceed with road upgrades east of 11th Ave. NW and install a gate,” the statement explained.

Given the misaligned intersection at 11th Ave. NW and the safety concerns of 15th St. NW, administration explained the RM has chosen to prioritize public safety and close the gate to through traffic.

“It is unfortunate a more convenient solution wasn’t achieved. In the end, the council chose safety over convenience.”

David Horth, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Highways, confirmed conversations with HOP and explained the Ministry, while empathetic with the concerns brought forward, supported the decision made by the RM. He reiterated it comes down to traffic safety and reducing the amount of traffic.

“We certainly understand that it’s an adjustment for people and we want to thank them for helping us improve traffic safety by taking the time to get used to new routines,” he said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

P.A. organization fears road closure will spell end to daycare and youth program

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