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
Thanks to the generous donation by Freeman Realtors, we're hosting a Great Pumpkin Sale on Wednesday, October 22 ., Drop by the main clubhouse between 4-6 p.m . to pick up your perfect pumpkins for Halloween. All pumpkins are $10!
Experience being a professional recording artist and producer in this 10 week program. Participants will meet once a week at the St. Alban’s recording studio to create, record and release their own beats, songs and creations. Working in a group, participants will find their collective voice and creativity by building beats, songs and video projects. No prior musical experience is necessary! Ages 8 to 12 Thursdays 4-5 p.m. October 9 to December 11 10 Sessions total Limited Spaces Cost: $75 Register today!
Returning for the fifth year, Youth of the Year is BGC Canada’s national initiative to recognize and celebrate exceptional youth who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and achievements within their communities. Youth of the Year encourages young people to become active role models and a voice for young people across Canada. This year, five youth receive post-secondary scholarships, laptops, prize packages, and development and media training. Ruben has been involved with BGC St. Alban’s Club (at our Weston Mount Dennis site) for 10 years as a Club member, volunteer, and Club staff. He describes his Club experience as transformative, helping him build life skills like adaptability, teamwork, self-confidence, and leadership. As a youth council member at his own Club, attending BGC Canada’s 2023 National Youth Forum was a memorable experience that shaped how he wants to show up for his community. Outside of the Club, Ruben is a leader in his school community, stays grounded in his values, and always finds ways to uplift others. Ruben is passionate about being a voice for young people who want to make an impact. As Youth of the Year, he’s ready to show young people across Canada the power of youth-led change.
Registration is open for our adult fitness classes. Running weekly on Tuesday evenings, these classes are restricted to adult 18+. Spots are limited, so register today by emailing Anna at anna@stalbansclub.ca today. Explore our Adult Fitness Programs .
REGISTRATION IS OPEN BGC St. Alban's club offers swimming lessons for children ages 3 months through 15 years+. Certified instructors Indoor heated pool Private and group lessons Leadership classes Explore our Aquatics Programs .
Registration is open!
Registration for our Summer 2025 Aquatic Programs opens on Amilia starting Wednesday, April 16 at 9:00 AM! Explore our daily and weekly swimming lessons, plus H2O Camp—a leadership program that includes Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross courses.
In the past year, Charitable Gaming has raised over $100 million for Ontario charities! When you play, local charities win! BGC St. Alban's Club is proud to be part of this amazing initiative. Proceeds from charitable gaming directly support our programs and help purchase essential supplies and equipment. We encourage everyone to visit Delta Bingo and Gaming for an entertaining experience, lots of fun, and the chance to support a great cause. Every play benefits local participants and their program experiences.
Sign the kiddos up for a week of fun during March Break! We'll be playing sports, doing crafts, making friends, and having a blast while school is out! Registration opens on January 10 at 9:00am! See registration page.
By participating in our "Handbags for the Holidays" silent auction, you're helping us raise funds for our new rock climbing wall. The auction will run from December 6 at 2:00 PM to December 16 at 2:00 PM. Don't hesitate to place your bids! Items can be collected in person at BGC St. Alban's Club, located at 843 Palmerston Avenue, as shipping is unavailable. Should you require any additional information about the auction items or pick up dates please contact info@stalbansclub.ca Thank you for your continued support!
