The number of child-care spaces in Toronto is rising, but some neighbourhoods still have inequitable access to them, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said in a report published Friday.

The non-partisan research institute analyzed how child-care coverage has changed in the city between 2022 and 2025, after the federal government’s launch of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program in 2021. Ontario signed on in 2022 to the plan to create a national affordable child-care program that reduces fees and provides support for families.

Child-care spaces in Toronto have increased by five per cent since 2022, adding 3,943 spots. In 2025, only 12 Toronto neighbourhoods are classified as child-care deserts — which is when there is inadequate access to child care and lack of d

See Full Page