Parents, children and seniors had a reason to smile this afternoon (Sept. 21), as the Town of Blackfalds unveiled the new Blackfalds Community Centre Expansion and the new Parent Link Centre.

Lacombe County donated $250,000 towards the $1.8 million project which will offer parents programs relating to early childhood development including play groups and parent education sessions.

Regional Parent Link Manager for Lacombe and District of FCSS Donnie Tafts said it`s also a great way for young parents to have that support system.

"Mostly we are here for parents to connect with each other, to find that support and find that community."

"Parenting can be a lonely experience sometimes and especially if you have a young child, home alone, home with the child for hours on end. It really helps to come out and be with other parents."

After years of advocating for this, Mayor Melodie Stol couldn’t be more excited for what it can bring to the town.

"Maybe your little person is having a speech delay, maybe your little person has some behavioral issues that you`re learning how to cope with. Maybe you as a parent aren`t very confident in your parenting skills and you need someone to encourage you and help you. That`s what a Parent Link Centre provides."

Today was also the launch of a new initiative involving BOLT called Books on the Bus, which will offer riders a library of books which they`ll be allowed to read on the bus and take with them.