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WINDSOR, Ont.Local parents Scott Cipkar and Dave Taylor, who oppose the City of Windsor’s proposal to shut down city child care centres, presented a giant heart, as well as their letters and petitions, to Councillor Ken Lewenza this morning at City Hall. Concerned parents are asking Windsor City Councillors to Have a Heart’ and to postpone any decision to close city centres until parents and other stakeholders are consulted. City Council will vote on the proposal on Monday, February 1 at 6 pm.
Today’s event was a follow up to the public meeting held this past Tuesday, January 26 where parents and child care supporters packed Club Alouette to talk about the impact of the city’s proposal to close city child care centres.
Parents are bewildered by the City’s haste in making this decision, said Scott Cipkar, a parent at Amherstburg Child Care Centre. The staff report that was released was missing all kinds of information including the impacts of these closures on parents and children.
Parents are calling and writing their Councillors because we want a real report from City staff that talks about the impacts, about alternatives to closure, and that includes a long term plan that meets the needs of families, said Dave Taylor, a parent at Tecumseh Child Care Centre.
Yesterday, Essex County Council voted unanimously to recommend that the City of Windsor postpone closure of the city centres until stakeholders are consulted, and a joint meeting of City and County Council can be held. County Council also wants the opportunity to consult with the Provincial government about stabilization funding for child care.
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For more information, contact: Shannon Porcellini at 519-562-1572.
