New U-turn by the Legault government. After launching a major construction push for prefabricated CPEs in the spring and then canceling operations in September, Quebec is restarting the project.
• Also read: Minister Suzanne Roy is presenting a bill to tighten the screws on problematic daycare centers
Almost three months to the day after abandoning the construction of 43 permanent modular facilities across the province due to the bill's explosion, the Family Ministry has just reached out to CPEs to offer them the construction of prefabricated daycare centers.
“Unfortunately, the government emphasizes in its letter, […] [les efforts passés] could not deliver the expected results. The fact is that prefabricated construction continues to be of great interest, especially in the current context of the slowdown in the construction market.”
“Great frustration”
This new turnaround was met with dismay by many CPEs. Some of them, who have been involved in the adventure since 2021, had to quickly roll up their sleeves and start a new conventional place-making project after the government's pirouette last September.
“The dissatisfaction is palpable among them, the frustration is great,” admits the general director of the Association québécoise des CPE, Sandro Di Cori. That’s two lost years.”
Initially, it was the AQCPE, in collaboration with the government, that came up with the idea of using prefabricated materials to build high-quality facilities more quickly.
Delays
The organization remains convinced that modular manufacturing is a construction method of the future if we are to build buildings capable of accommodating children within a reasonable timeframe. He therefore intends to work with the Family Ministry. But the lack of places is glaring in several regions and additional delays will have a serious impact on parents in Quebec, the CEO emphasizes.
“These are deadlines that are calculated not in days, not in weeks, but in months and now in years,” emphasizes Sandro Di Cori. We want the CPE network to be complete. It’s important that there are quality CPE places because that’s what parents want, but that’s where we increase delays.”
A window, then a catalog
Minister Suzanne Roy's new prefabricated CPE design project is divided into two phases this time.
First, a small number of prefabricated daycare centers will be built to serve as a “showcase” for the selected manufacturer to “demonstrate their capabilities.” Next, a permanent modular “pre-purchase installation catalog” is created where CPEs can select the building model that best suits their needs.
The first project, launched last spring with much fanfare, envisaged the creation of new buildings in 13 regions for 52 to 99 children each. In total, this new CPE construction wave should create 3,214 new places.
This time it is the reaction of the bidding companies that will determine what happens next, says Minister Roy's office. “The number of projects, locations and regions that will be targeted cannot be determined at this time,” explains its press spokeswoman Catherine Pelletier. The more the better.”
The tender for prefabricated construction companies emphasizes that the “maximum potential for standardized projects” is 84 projects for just over 6,500 spaces.
The CAQ government had promised to create 37,000 new subsidized places by 2024-2025. Ms. Pelletier assures that the goal remains intact.
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.