Toronto opened its largest and first net-zero child-care centre with the launch of the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre at 1234 Weston Road. The 19,000-square-foot facility is fully electrified and completely disconnected from natural gas while offering space for 98 children, two infant rooms, three toddler rooms and three preschool rooms.

Buildings account for about 55 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto. The new centre, which represents the city’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040, is designed with a suite of advanced energy-efficient features.

Super-insulated walls and a highly insulated roof minimize heat loss and gain, while triple-glazed windows further improve thermal performance. An airtight building envelope reduces air leakage to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and lower energy use. A geothermal heat pump system leverages the stable temperature of the ground to provide efficient heating and cooling.

On the roof, 264 solar panels generate electricity, preheat domestic hot water, and recharge the geo-exchange field. To ensure a healthy indoor environment, energy recovery ventilators continuously replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air.

“The Mount Dennis community is growing, and families here deserve access to high-quality, affordable child care close to home,” said Councillor Frances Nunziata (York South-Weston). “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.”

Toronto currently operates 39 child care centres and continues to plan, build and open more across the city.