Parents in the small Alberta community of Ardrossan are grappling with uncertainty after learning their local daycare will be forced to shut down, leaving dozens of families without childcare options in the hamlet east of Edmonton.
Where It's at Country Daycare, which has served the community since 2019, received an unexpected termination notice from its landlord, Elk Island Catholic Schools, giving the facility just 90 days to vacate the premises on Holy Redeemer Catholic School grounds.
"It's a gut punch. I honestly can't imagine sending them anywhere else," said Brianna Morris, whose children Hunter and Eden have attended the daycare for years. "I don't know what to do."
Morris and her husband both work full-time and now face the daunting task of finding alternative childcare before the end of the school year. "We don't know what's going to happen. I don't know what to do with my kids. I don't have family here to look after them," she explained.
Sudden Closure Impacts Growing Community
Daycare owner Loraine Durocher said the termination came as a complete shock after years of successful operations. Instead of receiving their usual annual lease renewal this winter, she received a different message entirely.
"On the 20th of March, I received a termination letter that says you have 90 days to be out of here," Durocher said. "Needless to say, the panic set in."
The facility currently serves approximately 30 families and offers year-round services with outdoor programming. Durocher said she has children scheduled to start as early as next week, with others registered through September 2026.
"I have kids that are scheduled to start next week, I have kids scheduled for May, I have kids scheduled for September, I have kids scheduled for next September and the September after that," she said.
Now the daycare must turn away all prospective families and help current clients find alternatives in a region where childcare options are already limited.
Community Seeks Answers
Both the daycare operators and affected families say they have received no explanation for the sudden lease termination from Elk Island Catholic Schools, despite repeated requests for clarification.
The closure highlights the broader childcare challenges facing Alberta's smaller communities, where families often have fewer alternatives when facilities close. For parents in Ardrossan, located about seven kilometres east of Sherwood Park in Strathcona County, the search for replacement care may require looking further afield.
Parents discussing the situation on Calgary Forums and similar community platforms have expressed frustration with the lack of communication from school officials. Many are concerned about the impact on working families who depend on reliable childcare to maintain their employment.
The closure also affects the local economy, as working parents may need to consider relocating or changing employment if suitable childcare cannot be found. Those exploring housing options in areas with better childcare availability can research neighbourhood amenities through platforms like CalgaryFinder.com, which provides detailed information about community services and family resources.
For families considering vehicle purchases to expand their commute range for childcare options, services like FullVIN.com can help verify vehicle history and ensure reliable transportation for daily childcare runs.
The financial impact on families is also significant, as they may face increased transportation costs and potentially higher fees at alternative facilities. Resources like Calgary Prices can help families budget for these additional expenses while comparing costs across different communities.
As the 90-day deadline approaches, families continue to seek answers and alternatives while hoping for a resolution that might allow their trusted daycare to remain in the community.
This story is based on reporting by Global News. The original article can be found on their website.
