Inspiring children with natural materials and naturalized play

The Dane Avenue Child Care accommodates 62 infants, toddlers and preschoolers in an inspiring and healthy environment that promotes early childhood growth and exploration. The building is organized by a day-lit circulation spine that brings natural light into both of its main wings: administrative and storage areas, which occupy the northern and eastern frontages, and the children’s playrooms, which face south and west, opening onto a custom-designed naturalized playground encircling a preserved signature maple.

The playrooms are distinguished by the building’s exposed heavy-timber structure, washed with natural light and meaningfully connecting to the naturalized playscapes beyond. Corridors are generously sized to encourage gross motor play, and the kitchen design includes a children’s learning counter to promote an understanding and curiosity around food and nutrition.

The Dane Avenue Child Care--made possible through the partnership of the City of Toronto with Duflaw Realty Ltd. and a Section 37 Agreement--is situated on lands adjacent to the multi-phase Treviso development, the new home for hundreds of residents. Intended to serve its immediate (and rapidly expanding) community, the centre provides an important civic service that was identified as lacking in the neighbourhood. By providing child care within walking distance of high-density residential development and good transit access, the project contributes to the health and long-term viability of the intensification of the Dufferin corridor.