Regina Beach celebrates opening of Sandy Steps child care centre

March 27, 2025

Key points from this story:

• Grand opening of Sandy Steps child care
• Community needs assessment conducted in 2022
• Government grants awarded in September 2023
• Modular building arrived in July 2024
• Licensed to care for 22 children
• Ribbon-cutting ceremony by Mayor Vollman

The Town of Regina Beach held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new child care centre, Sandy Steps.

In 2022, a community needs assessment was conducted and presented to the Town Council. It was very apparent that families were struggling to stay in the community due to a shortage of child care.

After more than 2 years of dedicated work by Town staff, councillors, and the child care centre development steering committee, a plan was developed that would include government grants awarded to Regina Beach in September of 2023, when they applied for funding to the Provincial Government to fund a Regulated Non-Profit Child Care Centre. Funds included the Start-up Grant, the Space Development Capital Funding Grant, the Play and Exploration Grant, and the Active Play Grant.

In 2023, they purchased a modular building, which arrived in July of 2024. The building is designed to allow for future expansion to provide additional child care space. The location near South Shore School is a bonus, as children grow out of the daycare they will graduate right into elementary school.

Currently, Sandy Steps is licensed to care for 22 children. The child care centre has been hugely received by the community with many people looking forward to expansion of the building to provide an increase in more childcare spaces.

The Grand Opening, directed by Master of Ceremonies Mike Thorley, was a packed-house celebration. Dignitaries attending included MLA for Lumsden-Morse, Mr. Blaine McLeod, Regina Beach Mayor, His Worship Randy Vollman, and several Councillors, and staff members from both Regina Beach, surrounding villages and associations.