Ontario Locks Childcare Costs Through 2026 With One-Year Extension
Ontario extended its $10-a-day childcare agreement through the end of 2026, freezing fees at approximately $19 per day for families in licensed programs. The extension ensures parents see no fee hikes this year and guarantees funding stability for childcare providers.
Ontario and the federal government agreed to extend the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) programme for one additional year, delivering financial certainty to parents and childcare operators alike. Ontario joined the deal in 2022, with a goal of reducing average daycare fees to $10/day by March 2026, though that target proved challenging to meet provincewide.
What the Extension Means for Families
Child-care costs remain at today's reduced rates (about $19/day); no re-enrollment is needed—families currently benefiting from CWELCC stay automatically enrolled if their daycare participates; and municipalities and child-care providers get another year to strengthen staffing, wage supports, and capacity. For Toronto parents juggling daycare decisions, this means financial predictability—you can plan for another full year without worrying about sudden fee hikes.
Building Capacity
The extension gives Ontario more time to build new daycare spaces—especially in high-demand areas of Toronto where infant and toddler spots remain scarce. By investing an additional $27 billion over 5 years, which includes a 3% funding increase every year for 4 years, the government is building on progress made to create new spaces and grow the early childhood educator workforce.
For Newcomer Families
If you've just arrived in Ontario with children under six and need childcare while settling in or working, the extended programme at locked-in rates gives you budget predictability. Eligibility extends to all families regardless of immigration status if their child is in a licensed, participating program. Contact your municipality's childcare coordinator or search "Ontario childcare finder" to locate subsidized spots near you.
Sources
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