Introduction
Many operators assume that opening a childcare centre in a church is simple because churches are already community-oriented spaces. However, this is a misconception. Even if a church is willing to lease its space, the building must still meet municipal zoning requirements, Ontario Building Code standards, Fire Code rules, and Ministry of Education licensing criteria. While churches can make excellent childcare locations, they often come with unique challenges that operators need to understand before making a commitment.
Zoning Considerations
A church property is not automatically zoned for childcare use. The zoning must specifically allow childcare, day nursery, or institutional uses that include childcare as a permitted activity. This zoning differs per city; therefore, specific zoning check from the city is mandatory. If the zoning does not allow it, the operator may need to apply for a minor variance or rezoning, which can introduce delays or additional costs. Generally, a minor variance could cost $10K or more and 4 months to up to 1 year. Rezoning takes about $100K or more and 2 years plus with no guarantee of success. This is why confirming zoning with the city should be one of the very first steps. Without proper zoning, no amount of renovation or planning will make the site licensable.
Window and Glazing Requirements
One of the most frequently overlooked requirements is the 10% glazing rule. Childcare rooms must have window glass equal to at least ten percent of the floor area of the room, excluding the window frame itself. If a church room does not meet this threshold, the operator may be required to add new windows. For basement rooms, this can involve excavating soil to expose more of the wall, installing deeper or larger windows, creating proper window wells, and ensuring that drainage systems prevent flooding. For above-ground rooms, the wall may need to be opened to create larger window openings, which is only possible if the wall is not structural. These upgrades can be expensive, and in most cases, the church will not fund them. Renovation responsibility almost always falls on the operator, and the cost can be substantial enough to determine whether the site is feasible.
Shared Space and Weekend Use
Churches typically rely on their rooms for weekend worship services, youth programs, and community gatherings. For this reason, many churches prefer that childcare centres operate only from Monday to Friday. This often means that operators are required to clear the rooms every Friday evening—removing toys, materials, tables, chairs, and any loose items—and then set everything back up on Monday morning. This weekly teardown and reset can be extremely labour-intensive and disruptive for staff. Some operators hire dedicated individuals just to manage the weekend transition. This operational reality is an important factor to consider when evaluating whether a church location is manageable.
Playground Requirements
Even when operating within a church, the outdoor playground requirements remain the same as any other childcare centre. A fenced playground that meets CSA standards is mandatory, and the church property must have or be able to accommodate such a space. If the playground or classroom windows are adjacent to a parking lot, additional safety features such as bollards, may be recommended to prevent accidental vehicle intrusion. Playground construction is often one of the highest renovation costs in childcare licensing, and operators should anticipate this expense even in a church setting.
Basement Locations and Fire Separation
Many churches offer basement spaces for childcare use, but these areas often require significant fire safety upgrades. Because the basement and upper floors serve different functions, the childcare centre below and the church above, the Ontario Building Code may require a fire-rated ceiling or other fire separations between the two levels. Achieving a one-hour fire separation often involves removing existing ceilings and replacing them with specialized fire-rated assemblies, such as multiple layers of Type X drywall. This type of work can be expensive and time-consuming, and churches rarely cover these renovation costs unless they have previously operated a daycare. Operators should budget for this requirement and assess whether basement-level daycare use is practical for their situation.
Governance and Lease Stability
Churches are often governed by volunteer boards, and this structure can create instability for long-term tenants. Board members may change annually, and new members may have different priorities or philosophies. Even if you enjoy a strong relationship with the current board, there is no guarantee that future volunteers will feel the same way. There have been cases where operators built excellent relationships, invested heavily in renovations, and leased church space for years, only to have a new board decide to terminate the arrangement. To protect your investment, it is essential to have a proper, legally drafted lease that clearly outlines terms, renewal rights, and protections. Relying on verbal agreements or goodwill exposes operators to unnecessary risks.
Conclusion
Opening a childcare centre in a church can be a viable and rewarding option, but it is far from straightforward. Operators must thoroughly consider zoning, window requirements, shared space limitations, playground construction, fire separation obligations, and governance stability. With careful planning, due diligence, and a well-structured lease, a church can be transformed into a successful childcare environment. However, understanding these complexities early on will help operators avoid unexpected costs and disruptions later in the process.
