Matheson, ON – The Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) is proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Matheson Child Care centre. This ceremony marked the beginning of construction on a project that will create 39 licensed child care spaces (15 toddler and 24 preschool) and early years services for families in Black River-Matheson and surrounding areas.
The new facility is being developed at 429 Park Lane and will provide much-needed child care spaces, supporting local families, workforce participation and community growth. As of July 13th, 2026, there are 869 children on the child care waiting list across all age groups. At the end of 2025, there were 2,535 licensed child care spaces across the Cochrane District, with 63% of those spaces being utilized. This marks a 14% increase in child care utilization since 2024.
The new facility will include licensed child care and EarlyON programming, helping address a longstanding need for additional child care services in the community. Construction of the Matheson Child Care Centre is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the facility opening in early 2027. This $1.5M project is being funded through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Infrastructure Fund, which supports the creation of new licensed child care spaces in underserved communities. At the end of 2025, the CDSB supported and funded 16 licensed childcare centres and 11 home-based child care programs across the Cochrane District.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction, it represents a critical investment in the children and families who call the Cochrane District home,” shared Brian Marks, Chief Administrative Officer of the Cochrane District Services Board. “Access to quality child care is essential for supporting children as they develop and local economies. We are excited to see the project move from planning to reality.”
“This project is an important step forward for children and families in the Matheson area,” said Shannon Costello, Director of Children’s Services of the Cochrane District Services Board. “Access to high-quality licensed child care plays a critical role in supporting early childhood development, while helping parents and caregivers participate in the workforce. We are excited to see this new centre take shape and look forward to welcoming children and families into this space designed to support learning, growth, and connection for years to come.”
Child care services will be provided by a licensed child care provider, who will be selected through a transparent Request for Proposal (RFP) process. EarlyON services will be directly operated by the CDSB.
The project represents a significant a significant investment in the future of Matheson and reflects CDSB’s ongoing commitment to ensuring families across the Cochrane District have access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning services.
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About the Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB)
The Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) is a regional leader in delivering essential social and emergency services across Northeastern Ontario. Serving a diverse and expansive region, CDSB provides integrated programs in paramedic services, housing, children’s services, and community development and services.
With a strong focus on community partnerships and equity, CDSB is committed to supporting the well-being of all residents—including Indigenous, Francophone, and other equity-deserving populations. Through innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of District needs, CDSB works to ensure accessible, high-quality services that build stronger, healthier communities.
For more information, please contact:
Cochrane District Services Board
Kaileigh Russell
Communications Manager, Cochrane District Services Board
kaileigh.russell@cdsb.care
(O) 705-268-7722 Ext. 244
(C) 705-406-9286
