BGC Kawarthas expands Licensed Child Care in Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Lakes – BGC Kawarthas (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes) has received funding for a $2.1 million project that is set to add dozens of new child care spaces in their Lindsay site by the start of 2027. This would address the growing waitlist of families in the community who need access to licensed child care.

BGC Kawarthas received the funding from the Canada-Ontario Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund, which provides start-up grants to support the creation of new, affordable child care spaces for eligible children in targeted locations and for populations in need. They are currently working alongside the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario’s Ministry of Education, and the Government of Canada to do this expansion.

"The City of Kawartha Lakes is proud to work alongside BGC Kawarthas and our provincial and federal partners on this important expansion" said Alyson Truax, Manager, Human Services. "By supporting the creation of new licensed child care spaces, we ensure young children have access to safe, high-quality early learning close to home.”

Cheryl Faber, Director, Human Services added “This project  adds much-needed licensed child care spaces in Lindsay, supporting local families and helping our community continue to grow and prosper.”

The additions will provide space for up to 54 new children in licensed child care to be at BGC Kawarthas. At their Lindsay site, at 107 Lindsay St. S, they will be building:

• A new pre-school room for 24 children
• Two toddler rooms for 15 children each
• New outdoor play areas designed for safe and engaging activities

The project will also build on the Club’s current facilities, including the splash pad, gym, and outdoor play areas, to strengthen a safe and fun space where children explore, learn, and play. 

The new spaces are expected to open January 1, 2027, with recruitment for Registered Early Childhood Educators starting in early Fall 2026. 

“Our Board of Directors and Staff are very pleased to be able to add to our existing child care program,” said Amy Terrill, Executive Director of BGC Kawarthas. “We know how critical it is for little ones to get a positive start, and for families to have a safe place for their children to go during the day. As experienced child care providers, we want to do all we can to support more families in the community because, as we like to say, ‘opportunity changes everything’.”

Families can apply for child care spaces through the Kawartha Lakes Child Care Waitlist Registry here. 

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Since 1970, BGC Kawarthas has provided a welcoming, safe, and engaging environment that supports learning, development, and healthy relationships. The programs it offers are child-centred, responsive, and thoughtfully engage families, reflect BGC’s core values, and meet the needs of children and families. BGC Kawarthas currently provides 335 licensed child care spaces and, with the new expansion, will offer 389 spaces across the City of Kawartha Lakes. 

For more information, contact William McGinn, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 705-324-4493 ext.  243 wmcginn@bgckawarthas.com