City of Toronto officially celebrates largest City-run child care centre and first net zero building

At 19,000 square feet, the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre provides space for 98 children, includes two infant rooms, three toddler rooms and three preschool rooms. 

The opening of Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre represents the City’s ongoing investment in expanding access to child care and building sustainable, modern public facilities. 

The City currently operates 39 child care centres and continues to plan, build and open new centres across the city. More information on child care centres operating throughout the Toronto can be found on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/telccs-centre-locations. 

The City is also making major investments in new recreation and civic facilities across Toronto including six new recreation centres, the new St. Lawrence Market North building and the Etobicoke Civic Centre which is currently under construction. 

Climate action
Buildings account for approximately 55 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto. The opening of the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre demonstrates the City’s leadership in climate action and supports Toronto’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040. 

The new facility is fully electrified and not connected to natural gas. Its net zero design includes advanced energy-efficient features such as: 

Super-insulated walls and roof, a method that uses more than the average amount of insulation to significantly reduce heat loss and gain 

Triple-glazed windows with three panes of glass for better energy efficiency 

Airtight construction which reduces air leaks to keep the building temperature and energy use consistent 

Geothermal heat pump system which uses underground temperature to heat and cool the building  

264 solar panels located on the roof, which generate electricity, preheat domestic hot water and recharge the geo-exchange field

Energy recovery ventilators that improve indoor air quality by continuously exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air 

These features enable the building to produce as much energy as it consumes each year, significantly reducing its carbon footprint while providing a healthy, comfortable environment for children and staff. 

More information about the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Centre is available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/mount-dennis-early-learning-child-care-centre.