Northern News Services

Fort Smith (Oct 24/05) - The only day care centre in Fort Smith still plans to close Oct. 28.

But there may be a replacement - by 2007.

Health and Social Services Minister Michael Miltenberger says Salt River First Nation may construct a building for its children's programs, such as Aboriginal Headstart. "The thought was it would a logical place for a day care," Miltenberger says.

The government might help with $450,000 - insurance money from a 2003 fire that destroyed the town's previous day care. It has received a $200,000 settlement, but the remaining $250,000 might also be available from the insurance company if a new day care is built. It would serve the whole community.

Miltenberger says the insurance money is not available for operation and maintenance of the existing day care. "There has to be a structure built."

Salt River Chief Jim Schaefer confirmed the First Nation is considering such a building, but nothing is confirmed.

Aimee Clark, the president of Rainbow Child Care and Development Centre, is hopeful something may happen to prevent its closure.

"It's ridiculous we can't find a way to support it," Clark says.

An Oct. 18 meeting of Fort Smith community leaders, Aurora College representatives, daycare staff and parents failed to find a way to save the daycare, which is almost $30,000 in debt.

Mayor Peter Martselos told the meeting the town does not have money to help.

Miltenberger participated in the meeting by telephone, and relayed the GNWT's position that it is also not able to help.

"It's an unfortunate circumstance," he says.