April 5, 2022
BGC St. Alban's Club statement
We believe in the need for quality, affordable childcare for all Canadian families. We support the provincial and federal government’s commitment to creating a province-wide early learning and childcare program that is accessible to more families.
The Ontario and Canadian governments have reached an agreement that they say will ensure lower costs and increased access to quality childcare options. The program aims to reduce daycare fees to an average of $10/day by 2025.
The agreement aims to create 86,000 new, high-quality childcare spaces, improve compensation for those working in licensed childcare, and support the recruitment of new early childcare educators as demand is expected to grow. Quality, affordable childcare contributes to strong families and strong communities and gives children more opportunities to thrive. As part of BGC Canada, St. Alban’s continues to urge governments to provide affordable childcare and recreation options for all children and youth.
With our senior executive team and our Board of Directors, we are reviewing the details of the agreement and what opting in would mean for the staff and families at BGC St. Alban’s Club Preschool.
What we know so far:
- Individual childcare centres can opt-in or out of the new program
- The program is available to private, for-profit and not-for-profit licensed centres and licensed home daycares.
- The decision to opt-in or out needs to be made by September 1st, 2022, and if we opt-in, funding will be sent to the centre to reimburse parents for 25% of fees paid from April 1st onwards
- The increased wages for RECEs does not apply to us because we already pay our staff higher wages than the amounts stipulated in the agreement ($18/hour).
- In fact, by opting in, we would need to agree to freeze any daycare staff’s wages that make over $32,000/year for three years. In order to pay and retain staff in a field where opportunities at new centres and schools will grow, we believe that paying a fair wage is essential. The ability to retain well trained, experienced, dedicated staff is one of the main contributors to a quality daycare program for kids and families.
- It is difficult to expect a staff rate in other parts of Ontario to be the same as in Toronto based on cost of living.
- We would need to determine if we can top up the wage over the three year period through other means (i.e., fundraising)
- The effect on staff wages is our primary concern in thinking about opting into this program.
- We do offer spaces for families who qualify for reduced fees under the City of Toronto’s subsidy program. It is our understanding that this program will continue to run even when the new agreement starts, however we would need to confirm before agreeing to participate.
- Historically, the Club’s fee for service revenue has allowed the Club to reinvest in high priority areas (Jane and Finch, Weston-Mount Dennis, Lawrence Heights) and develop much needed BGC programs in those communities. We expect that opting into this agreement will eliminate that opportunity.
We are very optimistic about what this new program might mean for families in low-income communities such as the families we serve in Jane and Finch, Weston-Mount Dennis and Lawrence Heights. While $10/day is a significant cost savings for many Canadian families, it is still out of reach for many families experiencing poverty and barriers to employment. We hope to see how the plan might include fully funded daycare programs for families and communities that need it.
BGC Clubs often work in neighbourhoods that are at greatest risk and we are encouraged by the Ontario government’s commitment to supporting the needs of diverse and underserved populations, including low-income, francophone, Indigenous, Black, other racialized and newcomer communities, as well as vulnerable and special needs children.
The agreement between centres and the province has specific requirements that we are waiting to see and review with our executive team, parents, and board of directors.
Should you have any questions about what this agreement would mean for BGC St. Alban’s Club, please contact:
Chris Foster
Executive Director
Karen Grant
Preschool Manager
Don Stewart
President, Board of Directors
BGC Club Day is June 5. Celebrate with us!
Nursery School - Book a tour today!
STARS After School Program - Registration is open
H20 Aquatic Leadership Summer Camp
Registration for the 2026-27 year opens on Monday, May 4 at 10 a.m. Early registration details were sent to current STARS families on April 21 via email. STARS JK - Grade 4 The STARS After School Program at St. Alban's offers an enriching and engaging experience for children in grades JK-4. Our diverse range of activities includes hands-on cooking, swimming, drama, arts & crafts, computer time, and a variety of indoor and outdoor sports. Your child will have the opportunity to explore their interests, develop new skills, and create lasting memories in a safe and nurturing environment. Join us for an exciting and well-rounded after-school adventure! ROCKETS Grades 5 & 6 The "Rockets" program is a specially designed experience for children in grades 5-6, bridging the gap between our STARS and Youth Compass programs. Offering a blend of engaging activities such as swimming, cooking, and recreational sports, this program keeps children active and entertained. In addition to these fun pursuits, the "Rockets" program places a strong emphasis on fostering community engagement and developing essential leadership skills, helping participants grow into well-rounded, confident, and compassionate individuals. STARS is offered at the main clubhouse and at satellite site s .
Registration has opened for our wide variety of summer camps for kids ages 4-16. Your child will experience a variety of engaging activities, including outdoor adventures, imaginative games, and creative arts and crafts. Our skilled and experienced staff team nurtures a cooperative atmosphere that encourages children to challenge themselves, cultivate curiosity, and embrace new discoveries. Every day is an adventure that fosters social skills, creativity, and imagination Spots go quickly so register quickly: Children (4-11) Youth (12-16) Aquatics (varied)
Please note our hours of operation for Easter Weekend are as follows: Good Friday): Closed Saturday, April 4: 9:30 a.m. - 2p.m. Sunday, April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed We wish you a happy, safe and joyful holiday!
We're proud to serve Toronto's children, youth, and families. You can review our impact in 2025 in this PDF , which highlights the critical work that we do at BGC St. Alban's Club. Our preschool, afterschool, summer camps and youth programs have enormously positive influence on individuals, families and communities. We are grateful to our members, staff, donors and supporters who make this all possible. Thank you!
Registration is filing up for our March Break aquatics programs! Swim Lessons Aquatic Leadership Keep your kids active and happy over the Break while improving their swimming skills. Spots go quickly so register today!
Registration for Spring Swimming programs opens at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 1. Programs: Swim Lessons Lane Swim Aquafit with Kelly Ziger Spring session begins the week of April 13 and ends the day of Monday, June 15. Spaces are limited so register quickly!
