Little Harbour Métis Child Care Centre coming to Penetanguishene
The future Little Harbour Métis Child Care Centre in Penetanguishene marks an important step forward in expanding Métis-led early learning and child care spaces for families in Simcoe County. By investing in high-quality child care, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is helping build stronger families and more resilient communities.
A sod-turning ceremony took place on June 19, 2026, at the future site of the centre, bringing together MNO leadership, local government officials, funders, and community members to mark the occasion.
The new two-storey, 7,000-square-foot facility will feature two preschool classrooms, two toddler classrooms, and one infant classroom, each with direct access to outdoor play areas. The building will also include a staff room, staff and family support resource room, administration office, multi-purpose room, universal washroom, and elevator. Designed to be barrier-free and accessible to all, the centre will comply with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards.
“The development of the Little Harbour Métis Child Care Centre in Penetanguishene reflects our commitment to supporting Métis children, families, and communities,” says Mitch Case, MNO Provincial Secretary of Education. “This centre will play a vital role in strengthening our Métis community by creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive while remaining deeply connected to their culture, heritage, and way of life.”
This project has been made possible, in part, through funding from the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Program, a start-up grant from the County of Simcoe, and contributions from the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada.
Through the County of Simcoe’s Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Directed Growth initiative, the MNO has been awarded 32 child care spaces for 2026, including six infant spaces, 10 toddler spaces, and 16 preschool spaces.
The Little Harbour Métis Child Care Centre will be located at 15 Sheffcote Street in Penetanguishene, with construction expected to be completed by the end of fall 2026.