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Attracting young families to Perth means more than building homes. Parents also need somewhere for their children to go when they head to work.
That challenge ran through the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce’s all-candidates meeting, where candidates connected child care shortages to housing, staffing and the town’s economic future.
Their proposals included regional partnerships, new locations, parent-run co-operatives and better support for early childhood educators. Several said Perth needs a clearer plan before it can secure the spaces families require.
Mayoral candidate Ed McPherson described difficulties getting additional support through Lanark County. He said the town cannot afford to build and operate a centre alone, and neighbouring municipalities need to work together.
He outlined what happened when he raised the issue at county council.
McPherson said he would seek a meeting with MPP John Jordan and MP Scott Reid to press for action.
Deputy mayor candidate Richard Schooley argued that funding discussions overlook the wider population Perth serves. He recalled neighbouring municipalities declining to help cover the deficit of Perth’s former municipal daycare, despite children from outside town using it.
Councillor candidate Jim Bolt also supported approaching child care as a shared regional responsibility.
Deputy mayor candidate Jamie Dyer suggested examining municipal buildings, commercial premises and other possible locations. He also proposed asking businesses to sponsor early childhood education training.
He set out three steps he believes could move the community forward.
Mayoral candidate Isabelle Anne McRae proposed a task force involving daycare providers, training partners and community organizations. She supported exploring licensed home daycare and space within a future regional recreation centre, while acknowledging families need help sooner.
Councillor candidate Gary Waterfield proposed a child care summit bringing together parents, operators and government representatives to develop an action plan. He also supported exploring incentives for private operators.
Councillor candidate Trevor Oates offered a different model: parents pooling resources, forming a co-operative and hiring educators themselves.
He said community ownership could give families a more direct role.
Deputy mayor candidate Catherine Schouler said Perth should establish how many spaces it needs, then determine educator requirements and potential locations.
Councillor candidate Paul Quinnell warned that creating spaces will not solve the problem without staff. He described educators struggling with low pay and burnout, and called for child care to be included in economic development planning.
Councillor candidate Sheldon Giff said planning must consider children’s ages, staffing requirements and needs that can be overlooked.
Giff said Perth needs a plan ready to pursue available funding. Across the responses, candidates described child care as essential to helping families settle in Perth and allowing local employers to keep workers.
Audio courtesy of Your TV Smiths Falls
