Town of Canmore Closes Its Only Drop-In Childcare Program

CANMORE - On December 21, 2025, the Town of Canmore will close the doors on its only municipal drop-in child care service, ending over a decade of babysitting support offered at Elevation Place. While Town officials say the decision follows a thorough budget review and reflects declining use, many local parents say the program served as a vital lifeline, one that’s difficult to replace in a mountain town known more for outdoor tourism than family infrastructure.

The child minding service at Elevation Place has long provided short-term care for children aged six months to seven years, enabling parents to swim, work out, or take classes in the same facility. It also offered rare moments of solitude, or a chance to breathe, for stay-at-home parents, newcomers, or those without family nearby. Though not a formal daycare, the service was appreciated by those who relied on it, sometimes multiple times a week.

“I used it 2–3 times per week for two hours,” said Olga Nikolenko, a Canmore resident and mother of a 3-year-old. “It helped me swim, visit the library, and gave me quiet time to work on my English. My son always loved being there, he played, connected with others, and felt happy.”

Originally from Ukraine, Nikolenko called the service a mental health support as much as a parenting tool. She cited Seasonal Affective Disorder, long winters, and limited indoor play options as reasons why Elevation Place became a crucial space for her.

A Cost-Saving Decision or a Cut Too Deep?

The closure was confirmed earlier this year after the Town of Canmore approved its 2025–26 operating budget. According to official Finance Committee minutes, the decision to eliminate child minding, part of a broader reduction in the Town’s Child and Youth services, was expected to save approximately $50,000 annually. The service will operate through the end of 2025 but receive no funding in 2026.

Town officials described the cut as part of a larger fiscal review. “This decision followed a thoughtful and thorough review and was not taken lightly,” said Katrina Bellefeuille, Communications Advisor for the Town of Canmore. “It reflects a broader effort to ensure that resources are directed toward programs with the greatest impact.”

According to Town data, usage of the program declined by 54 percent post-pandemic, from an annual average of 2,742 visits (2014 to 2019) to 1,260 visits in 2023 to 2024. Staffing shortages further complicated efforts to sustain the program.

But critics question whether a $50,000 savings, a fraction of the Town’s $99 million budget, justifies the loss. “We have free buses, such a rich tourist town, and now we need to close a children’s room because it’s ‘too expensive’?” said Nikolenko.

She wasn’t alone in that view.

‘Invaluable’ for Parents With No Other Support

For Erin Woodrow, a mother of three, the program allowed essential moments of self-care. “I used the service several times a week. It allowed me to attend fitness classes, things that are essential not just for physical health but for mental well-being and social connection,” she said. “Without it, Elevation Place becomes largely inaccessible to me.”

Woodrow emailed the Mayor directly when she learned of the closure. While she received a reply acknowledging the cost and jurisdictional challenges (childcare is a provincial, not municipal, responsibility), she felt alternatives were never seriously considered. “There was no public consultation or community survey to assess usage patterns or creative solutions. It felt like a decision made without understanding how deeply it affects families.”

Others agreed. “I only found out through the facilitators working at child minding,” said Zina Lawson, another local parent. “There was no opportunity to give input. The families I spoke to were all heartbroken.”

Lawson emphasized how the program supported her physical and emotional well-being. “Without exercise I’m a cranky person. I would drop my kid off, go lift weights, swim, or climb. I’d return with a skip in my step. That’s the kind of support this service offered.”

She also pointed out that Elevation Place accepted children from six months old, a rare feature. “Most daycares start at 18 months and have long waitlists. This program filled a real gap.”

What Happens to the Space?

According to the Town, the former child minding room will reopen in February 2026 as a multi-purpose community rental space. It will remain family-friendly and include a child-sized washroom. Town officials say programs like Big Fun Day Camps will continue there and that the room may evolve over time based on community needs.

Meanwhile, the Town plans to continue offering support to families through other means. “Families are encouraged to explore free drop-in and registered programs at Elevation Place, the Canmore Recreation Centre, and the Family Connection Centre,” said Bellefeuille. Resources will also be redirected to youth camps and recreational activities, especially during school breaks.

Still, parents question whether those options fill the same need. “There are no comparable alternatives for short-term, drop-in childcare in Canmore,” said Woodrow. “Even a scaled-down version would make a huge difference.”

A Call for Reconsideration or At Least Re-Evaluation

Some parents have called on the Town to delay or revisit the closure. “Even if it’s not in great demand, it’s still valuable,” Nikolenko said. Her Facebook post about the closure received over 100 likes and many supportive comments.

Others have asked for more transparency. “I hope the new Council sees that maybe this issue needs to be addressed,” Lawson said.

All three parents interviewed expressed hope that the service could return in the future, even seasonally or through partnerships.

“The demand is there,” said Lawson. “It just wasn’t promoted properly. This town keeps developing more, but if we don’t invest in community and families, what are we really building?”