Little Castle Childcare Centre building project on hold as funding gap remains

For immediate release | Indian Head, SK | May 25, 2026

Little Castle Childcare Centre says plans for a new, expanded childcare facility in Indian Head are at a standstill as the centre works to close a remaining funding gap needed to begin construction. Land has been purchased and blueprints are finalized, but the project cannot move forward until the centre secures the balance of its down payment.

Project background

The new centre will be a 90-space licensed facility for children six weeks to six years of age, expanding from the current 56 spaces (for ages 18 months to six years) and helping address a wait list of more than 40 children. The expansion would add 34 new spaces, meeting the needs of families who require care in the area and before their children are 18 months old.

The centre’s required down payment is approximately $1.1 million. To date, Little Castle
has raised more than $550,000 through government grants, fundraising, and generous
donations from the community, but still needs an additional $505,000 to proceed.

While the centre has received a government grant tied to the 34 additional spaces, the
funding does not cover the cost of relocating the existing 56 spaces within the new build.
Little Castle says it is not feasible to construct a 90-space facility based on funding
intended for only 34 spaces.

The project team includes Gilchuk Design and Drafting Ltd. (Pilot Butte) and SVC
Construction & General Contracting Ltd. (Regina/Katepwa), selected for their local
knowledge and experience designing and building childcare facilities.

Quotes
“We initially understood that the government grant would be for all 90 spaces, but the way legislation is written, it’s only for the additional 34 spaces,” said Traci Blenkin, Vice-Chair of Little Castle Childcare Centre’s Board of Directors. “We’ve worked closely with the Ministry of Education and our MLA to see if anything can be done to secure the full funding but unfortunately, we’re at a standstill.

“This new centre is about more than childcare spaces—it’s about supporting workingfamilies and strengthening the entire community,” said Mackenzie Webster, LCCC Board Member. “With licensed infant spaces starting at six weeks of age and a total of 90 spots, we’ll be able to better serve parents returning to work and help make Indian Head a place where young families and needed professionals can choose to live and work.”

How the community can help

Little Castle is asking residents, local businesses and supporters in neighbouring communities to invest in the project so Indian Head can continue to offer safe, affordable childcare for years to come. Donations and sponsorships will go directly toward the remaining down-payment requirement of $505,000.

Donate: If potential donors would like to learn more or make donations, please contact the Board of Directors at littlecastleboard@gmail.com or Traci Blenkin, Vice-Chair at 306-519-8283. More information is also available at www.littlecastle.ca/new-build-information.

Media contacts

Traci Blenkin
Vice-Chair, Little Castle Childcare Centre Board of Directors
Phone: 306-519-8283
Email: littlecastleboard@gmail.com

Mackenzie Webster
Member at Large, Little Castle Childcare Centre Board of Directors
Phone: 306-698-7479
Email: littlecastleboard@gmail.com