Ottawa’s Innovative Daycare Fosters Bonds Between Kids and Seniors

A groundbreaking daycare is set to open in Ottawa this spring, aiming to create meaningful connections between children and seniors, affectionately referred to as “grandfriends.” Located within the Perley Health long-term care campus, this innovative centre is designed to foster intergenerational relationships through shared activities and experiences.

The daycare, a collaboration between Andrew Fleck Children’s Services and Perley Health, will provide a unique environment where children can engage with seniors in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. Activities will include collage-making, baking muffins, storytelling, and shared meals in the cafeteria. This initiative builds on existing models of intergenerational daycare across Canada, seeking to enhance the integration of young and elderly participants.

Research conducted by Perley Health will evaluate the positive impacts of these interactions on both age groups. The organization aims to establish this daycare as a model for future intergenerational centres nationwide. According to Annie Robitaille, the Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair at the Perley Health Centre of Excellence, while studies have shown the benefits of intergenerational programming, this new model represents a rare opportunity to measure its effects in a dedicated childcare setting.

Laura Dale Boucher, a 72-year-old resident of Perley’s independent living apartments, has experienced these benefits firsthand. Participating in an EarlyON intergenerational playgroup for three years, Boucher notes that spending time with children has significantly enhanced her well-being. “I find my place to recharge and raise my sense of well-being… it actually raises my spirits very considerably,” she shared. Her sentiments reflect the positive emotional impact these interactions can have on seniors, including those living with dementia.

Families like that of Alex Wood also recognize the profound effects of these intergenerational encounters. Wood and his wife have brought their one-year-old daughter to the playgroup, where she joyfully interacts with the seniors. “We were told by one woman’s caregiver that after the last session, it was the first night in ages that she hadn’t cried herself to sleep,” Wood recalled, highlighting the emotional significance of the connections formed.

The daycare will offer 49 spaces, primarily reserved for staff members at the long-term care home. This approach not only addresses the childcare needs of employees but also aids in recruitment and retention efforts in a challenging sector. Katrin Spencer, Perley’s director of strategy, partnerships, and growth, explained that integrating children into the community is essential for creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for all generations.

Designed with both children and seniors in mind, the facility includes features such as sound absorption, accessibility for mobility devices, and dementia-friendly elements, ensuring a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Other long-term care homes, such as the Lakeshore Lodge in Toronto, have also recognized the value of intergenerational programming. They resumed joint activities post-pandemic, engaging seniors and children in various festive events, thereby reinforcing community connections.

The impact of these initiatives extends beyond simple interaction. As Mark Lundrigan, Lakeshore Lodge’s manager of resident services, noted, such programs provide seniors with a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the community. “This is an opportunity for them to provide reciprocal care, to give back and help others,” he stated, illustrating the multifaceted benefits of these engagements.

Kim Hiscott, CEO of Andrew Fleck Children’s Services, believes this new daycare will be a pioneering model in Canada. “We’re really hoping it’ll highlight that any investment in long-term care should include childcare,” she said. This perspective emphasizes the importance of integrating early childhood education with senior care, addressing both societal needs and fostering community cohesion.

As the opening approaches, the excitement surrounding this initiative continues to grow. It represents a significant step forward in reimagining the interactions between generations, promising to yield valuable insights and replicable models for similar projects across the country. This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on December 20, 2025.