FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YMCA Announces New Non-Profit Child Care to Meet Growing Demand in Ottawa
November 17, 2025 (Ottawa) — The YMCA National Capital Region is pleased to open a non-profit licensed childcare at the Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Blvd. There are 39 spots: 15 spots for toddlers and 24 for preschoolers. The centre features two classrooms, one specifically designed for toddlers and the other for preschoolers, to support the unique developmental needs of these age groups.
As the country's largest not-for-profit childcare provider, offering 20% of childcare spots in Ontario, the YMCA understands that choosing a childcare center is a significant decision for parents. YMCA operates over 88,300 licensed infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age spaces across the province. In 2024, 384 children across the national capital region could learn, create, and grow in the Y’s licensed childcare programs. This was a 69% increase over the previous year.
There are childcare spots still available. Parents can email child.care@ymcaottawa.ca to learn more and register.
This childcare will follow the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum, a national, research-based program that focuses on creating enriched, child-centred learning environments. The Y’s dedicated Early Childhood Educators implement this acclaimed curriculum at YMCA centres nationwide. Through hands-on, engaging activities tailored to children’s developmental needs, the Y fosters positive social connections, builds self-esteem, and helps children achieve significant milestones.
“We’re excited to open our new YMCA childcare in the Rideau Community Hub, providing 39 spaces for toddlers and preschoolers,” said Cass Vallee, Director of Child Care, YMCA of the National Capital Region. “This centre follows our acclaimed YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum and offers children an enriched environment to grow, thrive, and build lasting community connections.”
“The staff at the Y have engaged our son, taught him new skills, and genuinely cared for him,” said Rivi Mandelzys, a parent whose child is in childcare at the Taggart Y on Argyle. “Rhys started at the Y the day after he learned to walk. He was 15 months old. From the day he toddled into the playroom we knew he was in great hands. He was the smallest kid in the room, but his eyes would light up everyday as he found new toys to play with. At 2 1/2 Rhys graduated to pre-school and his adventures got bigger (at least in words). His bonds with his friends got tighter and he started coming home with much more elaborate stories. One day his class had travelled to the moon, another day they joined a construction crew and built a house. As his stories grew, so did his vocabulary, imagination, and sense of humour. I could not be happier with the experience we have had at the Y, it is truly a special place for little kids.”
Today’s launch is an important step, but much work still needs to be done. The demand for affordable, high-quality childcare far exceeds the current supply. There still aren’t enough subsidized childcare spaces to meet the needs of families in our community. The YMCA has applied for funding to subsidize the childcare fees; however, it has not yet been granted. In the meantime, the YMCA remains committed to offering families high-quality, affordable care. The non-profit fee for toddlers (18M - 2.5Y) is $63/day, and for preschool (2.5Y - 4Y) is $53/day.
While the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system is a significant advancement, more spaces are needed to ensure every family has access. As Canada's largest not-for-profit childcare provider, the YMCA is working with all levels of government to ensure that families can access sustainable, high-quality, and affordable child care. They call upon the Ontario government to fund even more childcare spaces to meet demand.
Spokespeople available for interview
- Morgan Bello (he/him), Vice President, People and Culture; Health, Fitness and Aquatics; Child Care; and Corporate Services (English and French)
- Cass Vallee (she/her), Director of Child Care, YMCA of the National Capital Region (English)
- Rivi Mandelzys (she/her), a parent whose child is in childcare at the Taggart Y on Argyle (English)
About YMCA National Capital Region
Founded in 1867, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities. The organization is committed to nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults, promoting healthy living and supporting vulnerable people within the community. The Y serves thousands of people across the Ottawa region each year. Focusing on inclusiveness and accessibility means people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are served through all stages of life.
Media contact: Heather Badenoch, Village PR, 613-859-8232, heather@villagepr.ca