Thompson Goddard Photo

BERWICK – The weather may have been a bit overcast on May 1st, but in the North Stormont community of Berwick there were smiles all around as the grand opening of the building which is new home of both the municipal offices and Happy Face Nursery School was held.

“It’s been a long time coming.” commented Mayor Landry who mentioned the building was purchased from the UCDSB in 2023 after North Stormont Public School was closed in 2022, with a lot of planning undertaken to ensure the new township office will serve the municipality for many years.

Representatives of the Upper Canada District School Board, municipal officials from across SDG, the city of Cornwall, the United Counties and MP Eric Duncan joined residents, North Stormont council members and staff at the late afternoon event.  Also present were families, children and staff of Happy Face Daycare who during the opening presented North Stormont Mayor François Landry with a beautiful painting created by the children who attend the Daycare centre.

During his welcoming remarks, Mayor Landry thanked the staff for their dedicated work leading to this achievement. He mentioned the former school building was built in 1964, expanded in 1989 and was a cornerstone for the community until it closed. He thanked Maylan Construction, Eastern Engineering Group and local tradesmen for their work in transitioning the space. “and for our residents, welcome home!” said the mayor as he concluded his remarks.

SDG MP mentioned this is a “nice repurpose of a school space”, noting in his remarks this will serve the residents for may years to come. Deputy Mayor Steve Densham thanked the people of Berwick with a special note of appreciation to members from the former North Stormont Parent Council who had reinforced to council the importance of the school building to the local community.

The building will serve the community in many ways in addition to being the administrative headquarters of the municipality. It will also help ensure local sports teams continue to operate and is the site of a daycare serving infant, toddler and preschool children.

“We are very happy” said Happy Face Nursery School Executive Director Cheryl Firlotte, before continuing a good partnership has developed with the North Stormont Township administration and they are quite happy to meet the needs of the community in this new location.

More information on the Township of North Stormont is available on their social media pages and website located at www.northstormont.ca. Information on Happy Face Nursery School is available on their social media pages and their website located at happyfacechildcare.ca.