The City of Kamloops has ended an agreement with the Saltair Childcare Society, which was to operate the new Lorne Street Childcare facility.

The Vancouver Island-based organization, which was doing business as Inquiring Little Minds, who was set to open and operate the new 36-space facility in Station Plaza at 510 Lorne Street.

“Due to recent events…the City has lost confidence in the operator’s ability to meet their contractual obligations and provide the level of service we would expect from a partner in childcare,” a statement from the City of Kamloops said. “Therefore, we have opted to seek an alternative childcare operator.”

“Unfortunately, this will delay the opening of the childcare facility, however we are not willing to compromise on the level of care provided at our centre.”

The Lorne Street daycare was originally set to be open on Aug. 1, but that date was pushed back for reasons not yet known. The City of Kamloops has also not said what “recent events” it was referring to when it decided to terminate the agreement.

“We are actively seeking a new operator and are confident that we will secure exceptional caregivers,” the City statement added. “The facility itself has been beautifully crafted and is ready to open as soon as a new operator is selected.”

“We are committed to improving our community’s access to quality childcare and apologize for the delay as we work to create the best opportunity possible.”

Radio NL has reached out to the Saltair Childcare Society, which also runs daycares at Ralph Bell and Happyvale elementary schools in Kamloops, and is awaiting a response.