Fort Smith (June 02/03) - In the aftermath of a devastating fire, things are starting to look up for the Fort Smith Community Day Care Centre.

A GNWT-owned building housing the day care was completely destroyed by the April 30 fire.

Now, day care chairperson Jennifer Rooke says there is a good prospect for a new location in Mount Aven, a building owned by Aurora College.

Space for the day care is being donated by the college, where many of the parents attend school.

"We will be open for September," says Rooke.

Until then, however, there will be no day care available in Fort Smith.

The new location has to be inspected by Early Childhood Education of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, along with fire and health inspectors, Rooke says, adding there are vigorous regulations for day cares.

She notes there is plenty of room in the three-storey Mount Aven, which is now largely empty.

The day care would be located in the basement.

"It's a great location for us," she says, noting Mount Aven is close to the college, JBT Elementary School, the Aboriginal Head Start building, and the Rec Centre.

She is not sure if Mount Aven will become the permanent home of the day care. "I believe the term was temporary for as long as we need it."

Rooke says the day care's finances are also looking better.

Its $15,000 debt, including money owing to Revenue Canada, is expected to be paid off by the end of June. It has gathered money from insurance and fees, and through donations and fundraising.

Help has come from various groups, including the RCMP, the Town of Fort Smith, the college student association and Kaeser's grocery store.

However, Rooke says the day care still needs help to replace items lost in the fire, such as cribs, a television and a computer.

"That's our biggest challenge right now," she says.

The day care will hold its annual general meeting on June 30 at Mount Aven to elect a new board. Rooke, an Aurora College student, is heading to the University of Saskatchewan in the fall to continue her education.

She says the day care would like to see more community involvement on the board.