Media Release: TBDSSAB announces 31 new child care spaces

July 21, 2026 – The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) is announcing further expansion of licensed child care spaces in the District of Thunder Bay.

TBDSSAB has partnered with three existing licensed child care operators to add 31 new licensed spaces supported by funding from the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada through the Canada-Ontario Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Agreement.

This is part of TBDSSAB’s service system plan and the Ontario Ministry of Education’s target to have a total of 1,932 CWELCC spaces created for children aged 0 to 5 years old across the District of Thunder Bay by the end of 2026.

With today’s announcement, TBDSSAB will achieve its goal to create a total of 227 new licensed CWELCC spaces between 2024 and 2026.

TBDSSAB will support three programs to offer a combined total of 31 spaces and receiving $318,500 in annual CWELCC operating funding. All 31 spaces will be accessible by the end of 2026.

Program Name # Spaces CWELCC Annual Funding (approx.)
Nanabijou Childcare Centre, Thunder Bay 8 $105,000
Holy Family Elementary School, Thunder Bay 13 $99,500
Centre Grandir en français, Thunder Bay 10 $114,000
TOTALS 31 $318,500

Quotes:

“Affordable child care is essential infrastructure that helps build a strong Canada. When parents can access affordable, high-quality child care, they can work, pursue an education, and build a better future for their families. That access is already making a difference, more mothers than ever are able to enter and stay in the workforce, while their children get a stronger start in life. And here in Thunder Bay, every new space we open means another family who can work, learn and build a better future.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

“Families in Thunder Bay will soon have access to more child care options close to home. By expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care, we’re helping children build the foundation they need to succeed in school and giving parents peace of mind knowing their children are in safe, supportive learning environments.”
– The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Education

“Nanabijou Childcare Centre is thrilled for the opportunity to offer additional childcare spaces for families with young children. We are currently expanding to an additional location in 2026 and excited to offer a beautiful environment and meet the ideals of early childhood education.”
– Marcia Arpin, Executive Director, Nanabijou Childcare Centre

“The expansion of child care spaces supports more families to access affordable, reliable early learning and care services. Increasing the number of available spaces also supports parents’ participation in the workforce while promoting children’s social and educational development.”
– Crystal Simeoni, Director Integrated Social Services, TBDSSAB

Quick Facts:

  • TBDSSAB currently has service agreements with 26 licensed child care service providers, with a total of 55 program locations.
  • There are 1,503 children enrolled in CWELCC spaces as of March 2026 in the district.
  • The CWELCC system aims at increasing access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive child care for families across Canada. Through the Canada-Ontario Canada-wide ELCC Agreement, child care fees across the province have been capped at $22/day as of January 2025.
    • The CWELCC system in Ontario is funded by the provincial and federal governments and administered locally by TBDSSAB.
    • The federal government has also provided infrastructure funding for service system managers to support the creation of new licensed CWELCC spaces.

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