A petition put out by families impacted by the scheduled closure of a daycare operating inside the Northview Community Church has surpassed 1200 signatures.
In a letter addressed to the board and leadership of Northview Community Church, parents say they are asking for an extension to a July 31 deadline to allow for a “safe, orderly and child-centred transition.”
The daycare, which serves more than 200 children, has long been described by families as a stable and supportive environment, according to the letter, which thanks staff and operators for years of care and consistency.
Parents say dismantling and relocating a licensed childcare centre on short notice would require time to secure a new site, complete inspections and ensure continuity of care. They warn that delays or rushed planning could lead to emotional stress for young children who rely on routine and familiar caregivers.
The letter also highlights broader system pressures, pointing to what families describe as a severe childcare shortage in Peterborough, with thousands of children reportedly on waitlists and some families facing waits of up to two years for placement.
While the families say they are not seeking to prevent any long-term changes, they are urging leadership to provide additional time to manage what they describe as a complex transition.
They say an extension would reflect the values of care and responsibility they associate with the church and help protect children, families and staff during the transition period.
