DIDSBURY – In response to recent large deficits, reduced enrolment, and competition from private providers, town council has voted to end the Town of Didsbury Out of School Care Association (DOSCA) program at the end of June, say officials.
Following a recent review by the financial planning committee, the vote came by way of motion at the May 27 council meeting, held in person and online, with all councillors and mayor Rhonda Hunter in attendance.
Started in 2006 as a not-for-profit society operating out of Ross Ford School for children age five to 12, the DOSCA department provided before and after school programming and full daycare on non-school weeks days during the school year.
In 2008 council approved DOSCA being placed under the management of the Town of Didsbury. Town policy requires that DOSCA operate as a standalone department of the town and that it have no impact on the annual tax requirement.
The program experienced a deficit of $33,454.29 in 2023 and $24,056.93 in 2024, both funded with internal loans.
“In the financial planning committee’s review of the internal loan repayment, it was noted that there are additional factors that should be taken into consideration when reviewing the actual cost of the DOSCA program and department,” acting chief administrative officer Amanda Riley said in a briefing note to council.
“Rent and use of town-owned facilities and programs are also subsidies by the town. Lastly there is a heavy reliance on FCSS funding.
“When considering the actual cost of the program, without FCSS funding and without subsidized rent for town facilities and programs, the department deficit is significantly larger.”
Administration said the net deficit was $60,267 in 2023 and $57,394 in 2024.
As well, the Summer Fun program operated by the department had deficits of $14,480 in 2023 and $11,392 in 2024.
“In recent years the program has experienced declining registration numbers due to a number of factors, including increased competition by private daycare operators in Didsbury and surrounding areas,” she said. “There are at least three childcare service providers in town, at least one of which provides summer before and after school care. This also does not take into account unlicensed babysitters and day homes.
“Rising costs have also attributed to the deficits over the last two years.”
During the May 27 council meeting, financial planning committee member councillor Bill Windsor said, “We have been struggling with this and this has been a very heart-wrenching discussion.”
Deputy mayor Curt Engel said ending the program “is an incredibly tough decision.”
Coun. Dorothy Moore said, “It was a hard thing to do but it wasn’t getting any better.”
Coun. John Baswick said, “The numbers just don’t add up and it’s not self-sustaining.”
In a news release issued after the May 27 meeting, mayor Hunter said, “Council has had to make a decision from a fiscally responsible perspective that makes sense. We appreciate that this is a sad day and an end to an era of excellence in childcare through this program.”
Council carried a motion to “approve the DOSCA program level of service amendment which includes the conclusion of the DOSCA Before and After School Care program at the end of the 2024-25 school year, effective June 26.
Council also carried a motion to “approve the conclusion of the Summer Fun program at the end of the 2025 summer effective Aug. 29 and to explore the feasibility of a standalone summer camp program for future years.”
