Whitehorse preschool says it can't open because insurance companies won't cover them

A new daycare in Whitehorse was not able to open on schedulethis week because they can'tfind an insurance company willing to cover them during the pandemic.

Ten students were enrolled in the Nest Forest School, which willlargely deliver outdoor and land-based programs for preschool children.

But Erin Nicolardi, co-founder of Rivers to Ridges, which operates the daycare, saidinsurance companies don't want to take the risk during the COVID-19pandemic.

Companies were fine with summer camps, she said, butwould not insure a full-time indoor/outdoor daycare.

"It's been really hard to have this program delayed because obviously there are families counting on this program," saidEmily Payne, Rivers to Ridges' other co-founder.

The centre has been recently renovatedto accommodate up to 14 preschoolers.

"Our understanding is that COVID[-19] has affected how some insurance companies are not willing to take on the risk of a new licensed childcare program," Nicolardi said.

"We keep hitting barriers every time we try to approach the project with a new angle."

She said their insurance broker gave them a hard no.

Two years ago, Rivers to Ridges won a $100,000Arctic Inspiration Prize to help launch the Forest School Program for preschoolers.

The Forest School Program providesoutdoor education and land-based programming, to encourage kids to feel more connected to their environment.

Nicholardi says they will continue their search for a willing insurance company that will allow them to open their doors.

The team is also meeting with City of Whitehorseand government officials to discuss options.

For now, the only client in the centre is a puppy, Griffin.