Completion of New Community Hub
Canadore College, in partnership with Lindsay Weld Centre for Children, celebrated the completion of a brand-new childcare centre and community hub on Chapais Street. The facility is housed in the former E.T. Carmichael Public School which has been thoughtfully repurposed into a dynamic and inclusive space designed to serve the needs of the broader community.
The new centre will provide a comprehensive range of services and programs including licensed childcare for children aged 0 to 12, educational programming, and innovative intergenerational initiatives. This multifaceted approach aims to support community well-being, lifelong learning, and stronger social connections.
Canadore College acquired the E.T. Carmichael School property in March 2024 as part of its ongoing efforts to expand The Village Collective Impact Project -- a community development initiative launched in 2019. The Village fosters meaningful engagement across generations, cultures, and professions, creating a model environment for community-based learning, collaboration, and social inclusion.
The transformation of the former school into a vibrant community hub underscores Canadore College's commitment to innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking approaches to education and community development.
"We’re thrilled to collaborate with Lindsay Weld Centre for Children to expand childcare spaces in North Bay,” shared George Burton, Canadore President and CEO. “However, this centre represents more than just additional childcare options. It will provide Canadore students from various programs the chance to bridge classroom learning with hands-on experience in a real-world childcare environment. What truly sets this initiative apart is the involvement of seniors from The Village, fostering a unique environment where infants, children, students, and seniors can come together to form meaningful, cross-generational connections.”
With more than 1,500 children on the waitlist for childcare in Nipissing District, this new centre will have a positive impact on families in North Bay and surrounding areas. Canadore College and Lindsay Weld Centre for Children have created a place that will build a stronger, more inclusive community where everybody has the opportunity to succeed.
“The Lindsay Weld Centre’s Board of Directors is thrilled to unveil our new space and celebrate the collaborative partnership with Canadore College,” said Maggie Horsfield, Chair. “Our Centre's mission is to provide the highest quality in childcare, recognizing the individual needs of the whole child. This partnership with Canadore College is a significant step forward in fulfilling our mission. As we continue to honour the legacy of Dr. Lindsay Weld, this new space will foster a positive and nurturing environment for the children, their families, and the educators. We are excited about the opportunities this expansion will bring to our community."
