August 17, 2026
Governments of Canada and Manitoba Announce New Child-Care Centre at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre
– – –Gray Family Centre Will Offer 152 Child-Care Spaces and Connect Children, Older Adults and Community: Schmidt
Watch news conference
The governments of Canada and Manitoba, along with the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, are supporting the development of the new intergenerational Gray Family Centre, which will include the Faye Vickar Lazer Early Learning Centre, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt and Ben Carr, member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of federal Secretary of State for Children and Youth Anna Gainey announced today.
“Our government is making strategic investments that help create stronger, more connected communities,” said Schmidt. “By supporting innovative spaces in schools, hospitals and now this intergenerational centre, we're bringing families and communities together in ways that benefit everyone. This project will create meaningful opportunities for children and older adults to learn from one another, build relationships and stay connected, while giving families access to services where they live, work and gather. It's an exciting example of how community-focused infrastructure can support well-being, learning and a stronger sense of belonging across generations.”
The Gray Family Centre will add about 20,650 sq. ft. to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre campus at 1 Falcon Ridge Dr. in Winnipeg’s Linden Ridge neighbourhood. The existing centre is a 200-bed personal care home that provides resident-focused care and support services with a connection to Winnipeg’s Jewish community. The Gray Family Centre will add an early learning centre, a multi-purpose gathering area for community programming and worship, a grand gallery, and wellness centre to the campus.
“Child-care spaces like those at the intergenerational Gray Family Centre will give more families in Winnipeg the opportunity to thrive,” said Carr. “These spaces will not only make life more affordable for families, but also help build a stronger, more connected community where every child has the chance to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. This project shows how investing in children and families strengthens communities, supports parents, and helps give every child the best possible start in life.”
The new Faye Vickar Lazer Early Learning Centre, which will be operated by the Rady Jewish Community Centre, will create a total of 152 new licensed infant, preschool, nursery and school-aged spaces. The child-care program will be open to all eligible families. Construction is anticipated to begin this fall, the minister noted, with completion expected by summer 2028.
“This is about creating a place where generations can truly become part of one another’s lives,” said Laurie Cerqueti, CEO, Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre. “For our residents, having children, families and community members sharing our campus will bring new opportunities for connection, purpose and joy. The Gray Family Centre represents our vision of a community where people of every generation feel valued, included and connected. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped us bring this vision to life.”
The new spaces are funded in part by a $4.5-million capital grant from the governments of Canada and Manitoba under the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Philanthropic donations and grants made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre will fund the remainder of the project.
For more information on the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, visit: https://manitoba.ca/education/childcare/actionplan.html and https://canada.ca/en/early-learning-child-care-agreement/agreements-provinces-territories/manitoba-canada-wide-2021.html.
For more information about Manitoba child-care capital and space expansion projects, visit: https://manitoba.ca/education/childcare/resources/spacecreation.html.
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