Child Care Update: Additional Spaces and Funding Confirmed for Hamilton

The City of Hamilton has received additional funding and child care space allocations through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program, helping expand access to licensed child care across the city.

What’s New for 2026

Following a provincial review, Hamilton has been allocated:

• 333 additional licensed child care spaces

• $2.9 million in additional funding

This funding includes:

• Operating support for new spaces

• Administrative funding

• Infrastructure funding for planning, design, and facility development

Progress So Far

By the end of 2026, Hamilton is expected to have created:

• 1,743 new licensed child care spaces for children ages 0 to 5 since 2022

This expansion is part of ongoing efforts to improve access to affordable, high-quality child care for families across the city.

What Happens Next

All new spaces funded through this program must be:

• Allocated and operational by December 31, 2026

City staff are prioritizing:

• Areas with lower access to child care

• Projects that can be completed within the required timeline

• A balanced mix of not-for-profit and for-profit providers

Looking Ahead

While the additional funding is a positive step, there is currently no confirmed funding beyond 2026. The City will continue to advocate for continued investment to support long-term growth and access for families.

Learn More

More information will be shared as plans are finalized and spaces are confirmed.