The Platypus child care centre will likely be changing operators, again.
The centre, on Government Road near Mamquam Elementary, offers part-time and full-time childcare.
In May of 2017, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver took over the Platypus Playcentre from the Platypus Childcare Society.
At the time, the Platypus board was hopefully about the take over.
“Platypus is excited to have the YMCA taking over operations of the centre. They bring sustainability for our large daycare, as well as expertise and support that are unparalleled," a spokesperson said at the time.
Platypus originally opened in 2008 and became a non-profit society in December of 2013.
In 2016, the Platypus Childcare Society approached the YMCA of Greater Vancouver asking for it to be the new operator of the Platypus Playcentre.
According to a letter from the YMCA given to parents at the daycare this week, and forwarded to The Chief, the current landlord presented the Platypus YMCA Child Care Centre with a new leasing agreement that was less affordable.
"After reviewing the proposed agreement, having had several discussions with all parties involved and evaluating our ability to operate a sustainable child care centre moving forward, we have made the difficult decision to not enter into a long-term lease. Instead, we will move to a month-to-month lease so that the landlord is able to search for a new operator to take over the child care centre on a permanent basis," reads the letter presented to Squamish parents with children at the centre.
The Chief was not able to contact the landlord but will continue to try and will update the story thereafter.
Walker said the YMCA is currently working with the landlord to determine how long it will continue with a month-to-month lease agreement.
Kelly Walker, acting vice president, marketing and communications for the YMCA told The Chief there is "no rush" to end a month-to-month lease agreement.
"We want to do everything we can to support the families and the landlord's efforts to secure the new operator."
Walker said that in the future, if the YMCA is able to find another location in Squamish where it could open a viable and sustainable child carecentre, the organization would "explore that opportunity."
The Chief will continue to follow this developing story.
