In July 2024, the Ministry of Education cancelled 48 approved school-based child care projects in Toronto, eliminating 3,083 planned spaces for children aged 0-4.

These projects were part of the province’s capital program, designed to fund the construction of new child care spaces in schools, particularly in high-need communities. Their cancellation represents a significant setback for families and for efforts to build a more accessible child care system.

For families, this means fewer licensed child care options in areas where demand is already high.

At the same time, the rollout of CWELCC has made child care more affordable, increasing demand across the system. Without a matching increase in supply, families are now facing:

• Longer waitlists
• Fewer available spaces
• Greater difficulty finding care close to home

The loss of these planned spaces undermines progress toward expanding access and leaves many families without the care they need.