New Inuvik daycare opens

Inuvik's hotly anticipated Children First daycare centre opened its doors in Inuvik Monday, easing a shortage of child care in the city for kids from infancy up to age 12.

Nearly a decade in the making, the $6 million facility is open for the fall school season.

Executive director Patricia Davison says first day of programming has been a very busy one. "[There's] lots of excitement, children finding their places, parents dropping children off," she says. "Children [are] just jumping in, having some fun and doing some crafts."

It's hoped that the facility can help alleviate some of the pressure the community has been feeling because of an acute shortage of daycare slots for working parents.

The centre will offer instruction in Inuvialuktun, French and Gwich'in.  

"There's about maybe 20 kids that came in today and its just been exciting for everybody," instructor Annie Buckle says. "We've been a bit nervous but it's just fun."

Contractors are finishing up work on the playground and the driveway.