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"A Family Tradition for 132 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Wednesday, May 20, 1998 - 11 Port Perry daycare shut down for occupancy violation By Chris Hall Port Perry Star A Port Perry woman is seeing red after being told she must restrict the num- ber of children she cares for. For more than 15 years Mary Bricknell has been looking after children in her home to supplement her family's income. But now the number of kids she can care for has been cut in half. She was informed by the township and the Ministry of Social Services that what she was doing all these years has been illegal. Mrs. Bricknell has had 15 kids registered for care, but didn't always have that many children at her home. Regulations say she can care for just five kids under the age of 10 at one time. She's convinced the inspection that brought about the action was made after complaints by a neighbor, with whom she's had some disagreements in the past. Mrs. Bricknell said tensions came to a head recently, during a confrontation during which she says the neigh- bor swore in front of the children. Careful to keep her dis- tance from the neighbor, Ms Bricknell says she went about her ways until May 7 when she was in the kitchen with the chil- dren and heard a knock on the door. Scugog bylaw officer Bill Henshall and Valerie Rudmen, a program advi- sor and licensing and sup- port service worker for the Ministry of Community and Social Services were called by someone, she says. "They just came to my door and told me I had too TRACK seeks help Would you like to get fit, have fun, and help some fantastic kids? Why not join T.R.A.C.K., the Therapeutic Riding Association for Challenged Kids (Uxbridge)? Volunteers are urgently needed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings to walk with the children and horses. No experience iS necessary. For more information, please call Erin at (905) 852-6591. FIREPLACES GAS OR PROPANE from 1,399. installed OVERRIDGE FIREPLACE WAREHOUSE 180 Casimir St., Port Perry 985-0715 * 1-800-638-4751 many kids. The law says you can only have five kids under the age of 10 in your house that are not family; I didn't know I was break- ing the law." After the inspection Mrs. Bricknell made phone calls and informed parents that she could not care for their children any longer, and that they'd have to make arrange- ments for care elsewhere. The next day, only five children were in her home. Four days later a letter came by courier informing her that another inspec- tion will be held in the upcoming 30 days, and after that the case will be closed. If she is found with more than five kids she could face a fine of up to $2,000 per day she exceeds the limit. While recognizing her operation exceeded limi- tations, Mrs. Bricknell is saddened at having to send the kids and their parents elsewhere for care. "l haven't had any schooling on looking after children, but I raised four boys of my own. I had no idea I was breaking the law, but I made sure the kids were my main priori- ty. "They were safe and well-cared for; what's the problém with that?" And, while he didn't have much to say on this particular case, Bill Henshall says she's pin- ning the blame on the wrong person. "Community Services received a call and we investigated it. I went with Valerie Rudmen to the home, we discussed things with her and told her she is only allowed to have five children in a pri- vate home daycare. "The person who called 1s not the person she says it 18." Valerie Rudmen also confirmed that the caller was an unknown female, and not the nbeighbor in question. "They do not have to identify themselves. My responsibility is to deal with the number of chil- dren in a home daycare and ensure the provincial limits are upheld." 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"My daughter's made friends there she won't see as much any- more, and Mary was very caring for her and every other child there." "You can't change the law but it was a big mis- take with what hap- pened." * Financing | upto 0 48 months ONTARIO The Lero Percent Event Won't Last Long. Mercury @ DEALERS Or visit our web site at: www.ford.ca/offers/ WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY. *0% financing on all in-stock 1998 Ford Escort, ZX2, Contour, Windstar and Mercury Mystique for a maximum of 48 months on approved credit. E.g. $15,000 financed at 0% annual percentage rate for 48 months, monthly payment is $0, cost of borrowing is $0 and total to be repaid is $15,000 with $0 down payment. 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