New CPE opens its doors to a greener future

Families in Saint-André-d'Argenteuil won't have to dig quite so deep in their wallets or travel as far to ensure quality daycare for their children, following the grand opening of the new Centre de la Petite Enfance La Puce a l'Oreille on Monday, August 30.

"What a great achievement for families in the region," said MNA d'Argenteuil David Whissell. "I am pleased to be involved in the culmination of this long-term project that has led to the creation of 11 new jobs in Saint-André-d'Argenteuil."

Constructed of green materials, the centre was built in an environmentally-friendly manner that aimed to conserve energy and promote renewability.

The entire building was doubly-insulated to prevent heat loss and to reduce costs. The addition of 11-foot-high ceilings and advanced roofs over each of the windows is intended to limit sunlight and keep the building fresh and cool, while also eliminating the need for high-cost air-conditioning.

Green from the bottom up, the daycare centre incorporated Marmoleum floor tiles made out of flax seeds.

The 35 children who attend the daycare centre will be introduced to lifestyle habits that promote a greener future, while playing inside a green building and eating organic food.

"The arrival of this new CPE home fits in with the family policies of this council," said Saint-André-d'Argenteuil Mayor André Jetté. "This centre provides a vital advantage in the quality of life of our residents and it promotes the arrival of new families.

"The municipality is very pleased to welcome this new CPE and I would like to thank the leaders of the CPE and the Quebec government who have jointly participated in the creation of this project and who have put their trust in the future of Saint-André-d'Argenteuil. A healthy municipality must act on behalf of future generations and this achievement is a good example."

The creation of the new CPE cost nearly $700,000 and was paid for through the support of provincial, regional and municipal funds, in addition to a grant of $50,000 from the Centre for Local Development of Argenteuil.

"Families are at the heart of a region's economy. They live among us, build or buy their home here, work in our shops or businesses, and send their children to our schools. So today, with the opening of this new CPE, we just provide additional support to these families," said Whissell.