Source: Wild Wapiti Playschool
A non-profit child care society is at risk of discontinuing one of its core programs in the Fernie Family Garden.
The Wild Wapiti Playschool began in June 2023 to provide full-time, affordable childcare for kids aged one to five years old. A key part of its programming is play-based outdoor learning in the Garden– a space it will no longer be allowed to use within the month.
“The Catholic Parish Council has decided that the three lots, including the Fernie Family Garden, will be going up for sale,” said Playschool Director Marcelle Poulain to Council. “We need to vacate pretty much immediately. As soon as the for-sale signs go up, everything needs to be out.”
During the Council meeting on Tuesday (Jun. 10), Wild Wapiti requested the City of Fernie’s support to move into either the northwest corner of the Courthouse Grounds or a corner of City Hall Grounds.
Wild Wapiti’s proposed new play spaces near its current location, as indicated by the yellow marker. / Source: Wild Wapiti Playschool
Councillors raised concerns about leasing a public space indefinitely and have asked the playschool to come back with a long-term plan at a later meeting.
Wild Wapiti currently has 28 children and eight qualified Early Childhood Educators on-site.
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