Modular child care centres to open in Kitchener with 176 new spaces
Posted May 28, 2026 04:29:55 AM.
Last Updated May 28, 2026 02:56:41 PM.
Two new unique child care centres are set to open in Kitchener this year.
The Region of Waterloo announced the modular child care centres are moving ahead at Howard Robertson Public School and Smithson Public School. With 88 spaces at each location, 176 new licensed child care spaces are opening up, and will be ready for families by the end of the year.
About $4.4 million was approved by Regional Council last summer to purchase the portable-like centres in partnership with The Healing of the Seven Generations and RisingOaks Early Learning Ontario.
“Families need child care that is affordable, accessible and located where it can make the biggest difference,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “By working with WRDSB and not-for-profit partners, we are creating new spaces in priority communities and using an innovative approach to deliver them efficiently. This is a practical investment that will help more families access the care they need, closer to home.”
The Howard Robertson Public School centre on Morgan Avenue will be the second Indigenous-led child care centre in the Waterloo Region, to be operated by The Healing of the Seven Generations.
“We hope to help even more families that live in the Kitchener area bring the Culture back to their children,” said Renata Richards, Executive Director, Ga’nigǫhi:yo Indigenous Child Care and Family Centre.
Smithson Public School on Belleview Ave will be run by RisingOaks Early Learning Ontario.
Off-site construction of the centres will begin this June, with on-site assembly set for later this year.
The centres are expected to open in December 2026.
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