After serving families for more than three decades, a cherished EarlyON child drop-in centre in Orléans will permanently close its doors at the end of November 2025. The facility, located within St. Peter Catholic High School, must vacate to make way for additional classroom space demanded by growing student enrollment.
End of an Era for Family Services
The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) confirmed the difficult decision, emphasizing that the space is urgently required for classroom expansion. This closure marks the end of an institution that has supported early childhood development and provided crucial social connections for parents and caregivers in the Orléans community since the early 1990s.
Parents who have relied on the program expressed deep disappointment at the news. Many described the playgroup as more than just a childcare service—it served as a vital community hub where friendships formed and parenting support networks developed organically.
Growing Pains in Ottawa Schools
The closure highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing educational infrastructure needs with community programming. As student populations continue to grow across Ottawa, school boards face increasing pressure to utilize every available space within their facilities.
The OCSB has indicated that the reallocation of space at St. Peter Catholic High School is necessary to accommodate rising enrollment numbers in the region. This situation reflects broader trends across Canadian urban centers where population growth often outpaces educational infrastructure development.
Community Impact and Future Options
EarlyON centers provide free drop-in programs for children from birth to six years old, offering structured play, early learning activities, and parenting resources. The loss of this particular location leaves a significant gap in services for Orléans families, especially those with limited transportation options.
While the November closure date is firm, community advocates are exploring possibilities for relocating the program to alternative spaces within Orléans. However, finding appropriate facilities that meet safety standards and accessibility requirements presents considerable challenges.
The departure of this long-standing program serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between educational needs and community services in growing urban areas. As Ottawa continues to expand, such difficult decisions may become more common unless innovative solutions for shared spaces emerge.
