YMCA Celebrates Opening of New Arrowsmith YMCA Child Care Centre in Hamilton
YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford (YMCA HBB) celebrated the official opening of the Arrowsmith YMCA Child Care Centre today, marking an important expansion of licensed child care spaces for families in Hamilton.
Developed in partnership with the City of Hamilton and Ontario’s Ministry of Education, the new centre adds 54 licensed child care spaces for families in the community, creating a safe, high-quality environment where children can learn and grow through play. The centre operates under the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, helping make child care more affordable and accessible for families.
The opening ceremony brought together elected officials, including Lisa Hepfner, MP for Hamilton Mountain; Karina Gould, MP for Burlington; and Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, Ward 5 Councillor Matthew Francis, Ward 10 Councillor Jeff Beattie, alongside YMCA leadership, educators, community partners and families, to celebrate this investment and expansion in early years and child care infrastructure.
“Opening a new child care centre is about more than adding spaces - it’s about strengthening communities and supporting families where they live, work and grow. Through partnerships with the City of Hamilton and the provincial and federal governments, we’re proud to expand access to affordable, high-quality child care and continue meeting the evolving needs of families across Hamilton.” said Manny Figueiredo, President & CEO, YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford.
The Arrowsmith YMCA Child Care Centre was made possible through funding from the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Government of Canada under the Canada-Ontario Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Funding Agreement, and delivered in partnership with the City of Hamilton. These investments support the expansion of licensed child care spaces and safe inclusive learning environments that help children thrive.
YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford is one of the region’s largest not-for-profit child care providers, currently delivering licensed child care in 83 locations across Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford, with programs funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Government of Canada and delivered locally in partnership with municipalities. The opening of the Arrowsmith YMCA Child Care Centre reflects the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to inclusive, affordable early learning opportunities that help children develop confidence, nurture curiosity, igniting potential and strengthening communities across Hamilton.
“Child care spaces like those at Arrowsmith YMCA Child Care Centre will give more families in Hamilton opportunities to thrive." said Lisa Hepfner, MP Hamilton Mountain. "They give parents peace of mind and help build stronger, more connected communities where every child has the chance to grow, learn, and succeed.”
“The YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford has long been a trusted part of our community, and this new childcare centre is a welcome expansion of the important work they do. For dozens of families in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, this means more childcare options close to home – and that is great news for parents, great news for children, and great news for our community.” said Neil Lumsden, MPP Hamilton East-Stoney Creek and Ontario’s Minister of Sport
“Families across Hamilton are looking for accessible, affordable child care close to home so they can work, learn and build strong futures for their children." said Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath. "The opening of the Arrowsmith YMCA Child Care Centre reflects the kind of community investment that helps neighbourhoods grow stronger, supports working families and creates more opportunities for children to succeed. This is an important addition for Hamilton families and for the future of our city.”
"Expanding access to licensed child care is an important part of building a city where families are supported and children have the opportunity to thrive. The Arrowsmith YMCA Child Care Centre is a strong example of what can be achieved when the City, community partners and the federal and provincial governments work together to deliver affordable, high-quality early learning spaces close to home." said Marnie Cluckie, City Manager, City of Hamilton
