(Kingston) The controversial plan to close Kingstons R. H. Hay Day Care took a surprise turn last night, when Kingston City Council voted 10-8 to investigate the budget and finances of the day care centre.
A motion introduced and passed last night instructs the citys Commissioner of Social Services to conduct the investigation. R. H. Hay falls under the umbrella of the citys Kingston Day Care Inc.
The union representing the child care workers is commending councils decision. CUPE has cited a long list of unanswered financial questions surrounding the day cares planned closure.
The vote by Kingston City Council also opens the door to a plan by a group calling itself Parents to Save the Hay to take over the running of the day care in conjunction with its current employees.
The take over plan would see the R. H. Hay become a parent-run co-op, and is also being welcomed by CUPE.
CUPE Local 3265 spokesperson Trisha Gamble says, “This is a very positive development for those of us fighting to save the Hay. It now gives the Board of Directors a compelling new reason to reconsider its decision and at least postpone the March 31 closure, until the parents can fully explore the option of forming a co-op day care.”
For information:
John McCracken, CUPE Communications Rep.
(416) 292-3999 (o)
Trisha Gamble, Spokesperson, CUPE Local 3265
(613) 549-1471 (h)
Doris Cartwright, CUPE National Rep.
(613) 542-2069 (o)