Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Region of Waterloo says it is spending $4.4 million to buy two modular structures to create much needed childcare spaces.
“Affordable, high-quality childcare is essential for our community as it grows,” Regional Chair Karen Redman said in a statement.
“Modular childcare centres can be built faster, are more affordable, and can be more easily placed at locations where childcare is needed most.”
Similar to a portable, modular centres are made in a factory and assembled on site in far less time than it takes to complete new builds. They can be as small as a shipping container and typically include hydro, washroom facilities and a playground installation.
The modular centres are to be located on yet-to-be determined Waterloo Region District School Board sites and will add 176 more childcare spaces by the end of 2026. Both sites will receive funding through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement to support start-up and ongoing costs.
The spending decision follows direction from regional council in February 2024 to explore ways to create more childcare spaces on public lands. It followed a staff report that said more than 13,400 children are waiting for licensed care in the region, 8,700 of which need care at once.
At a community and health services meeting in early August, staff suggested the region borrow buy two 88-space modular centres.
They said the buildings could help meet the region’s target of creating 4,136 new childcare spaces by 2026, adding that initial debenture costs would be recouped through long- term leases with nonprofit childcare providers.
Staff told councilors that debentures were needed because funding for the modular model is not included in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreement.
Under the agreement, the federal government, provinces, and territories are working to create 250,000 new childcare spaces across the country by March 2026.
