Western North York Child Care Centre

Bortolotto undertook the design of a new child care centre within the Western North York Community Centre, a groundbreaking 77,000-sf facility designed by our colleagues at MJMA that earned the designation of Canada’s first “Aquatic-Based Net-Zero Energy Building.” We designed a 5-play room child care centre to accommodate preschool, toddler, and infant age groups, complemented by thoughtfully planned outdoor play areas. The process was a collaborative effort with child care operators, ensuring the spaces align with their specific needs. Each room was purposefully crafted to support distinct programmatic functions, including play, learning, rest, dining, and administration, while maintaining clear sightlines for optimal supervision.

The design emphasizes a strong connection to nature, incorporating expansive glass windows that frame views of the sky and lushly landscaped surroundings. Outdoor play areas include gardens and sandpits that foster exploration, sensory engagement, and active play. We applied child-friendly proportions to fixtures, furniture, and features, such as windows and sinks, ensuring accessibility and comfort for young children. Safety was also a significant priority, with secure entrances, monitoring systems, and controlled access areas integrated into the design. Additionally, sound-absorbing materials were used to mitigate noise, creating a serene and supportive learning environment.