Today, Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Frances Nunziata (York South-Weston) officially celebrated the launch of the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre, the City of Toronto’s largest child care centre and first net zero building, located at 1234 Weston Rd. The new centre will continue to welcome families and help meet the growing demand for high-quality, affordable child care in Toronto.
At 19,000 square feet, the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre provides space for 98 children, includes two infant rooms, three toddler rooms and three preschool rooms.
Families will benefit from the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program which provides affordable child care with fees set at $22 per day in 2025. Eligible families may apply to receive a fee subsidy.
Toronto’s growing neighbourhoods
The opening of Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre represents the City’s ongoing investment in expanding access to child care and building sustainable, modern public facilities.
The City currently operates 39 child care centres and continues to plan, build and open new centres across the city. More information on child care centres operating throughout the Toronto can be found on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/telccs-centre-locations.
The City is also making major investments in new recreation and civic facilities across Toronto including six new recreation centres, the new St. Lawrence Market North building and the Etobicoke Civic Centre which is currently under construction.
Climate action
Buildings account for approximately 55 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto. The opening of the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre demonstrates the City’s leadership in climate action and supports Toronto’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
The new facility is fully electrified and not connected to natural gas. Its net zero design includes advanced energy-efficient features such as:
These features enable the building to produce as much energy as it consumes each year, significantly reducing its carbon footprint while providing a healthy, comfortable environment for children and staff.
More information about the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre is available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/mount-dennis-early-learning-child-care-centre.
Quotes:
“The new Mount Dennis Child Care Centre shows what is possible when we put families and climate action at the centre of our work. It is the largest child care centre operated by the City allowing more families access to high-quality, affordable care, close to home. This building is also Toronto’s first net zero facility, proving that we can grow our child care system while reducing emissions. Toronto is leading by example, delivering a safe, caring and affordable city for Torontonians.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“The Mount Dennis community is growing, and families here deserve access to high-quality, affordable child care close to home. This new centre is a fantastic addition to our neighbourhood – it supports local families, strengthens our community and shows how the City is leading on climate action.”
– Councillor Frances Nunziata (York South-Weston)
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