Moms try to stop Early Years closure

The West Niagara Family Centre is an important resource for parents, say users of the longtime centre. Parents who regularly utilize the centre, located in the Grimsby Beach Hall, were surprised last month to learn the site would be closing Aug. 26. Two years ago, the province began phasing out volunteer boards of directors overseeing operations of Ontario Early Years Centres. Grimsby’s was one of the last to continue operation under a volunteer board. The board’s contract with the ministry ends next month, meaning the centre’s doors will be shut. The board is hopeful this does not mark the end for the well-used children’s centre but it is unknown when, or if, the centre will reopen. Parents gathered at the centre Friday to share their concerns with Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Tim Hudak. Hudak is asking parents affected by the closure of the centre to share their stories with him. He can be reached at tim@timhudak.ca. He also urges parents to reach out to Minister of Education Mitzie Hunter at minister.edu@ontario.ca.