Kitimat council maintains summer extended-care fees

The Kitimat council has decided to maintain current fee levels for summer extended-care services, rejecting proposals for broader subsidies. The services, which include pre-care, lunch-hour, and post-care for children aged six to 12, will continue to charge $18 per child per week for pre-care and post-care, and $12 for lunch bunch.

During the discussion, Councillor Mario Feldhoff noted that existing assistance for low-income households, such as the district’s Leisure Access Program, already addresses affordability. The program provides a 50 per cent subsidy on summer program registration for eligible families based on provincial low-income guidelines, and children in foster care are automatically eligible.

However, Councillors Michelle Martins and Gerry Leibel opposed the motion. Martins argued that rising living costs are impacting families who were previously considered financially stable and suggested that additional support is necessary to remain a welcoming community for new residents relocating to the area.