There were speeches, applause, and words of gratitude at Perley Health on September 8, but one unscripted moment captured the spirit of the day best. A toddler in OshKosh overalls and a pint-sized construction hat toddled over to an elderly man in a wheelchair, handed him a second hard hat, and clapped with delight as he put it on. Those who saw the spontaneous interaction erupted in smiles—an early glimpse of the connections this new centre will foster.
The toddler and her mother were among those gathered for the official ground-breaking ceremony, alongside staff, volunteers, and residents of the Perley Health, staff and volunteers from the Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (AFCS), and local politicians, including Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. Together, they celebrated the launch of a dementia-friendly intergenerational childcare centre, set to open in mid-2026. The new facility will create daily opportunities for children, seniors, and veterans to learn and grow together.
ABOVE: The star of the official ground-breaking ceremony for the Intergenerational Childcare Centre at Perley Health.
In her remarks, Delphine Haslé, Executive Director of the Perley Health Foundation, said this is a “win-win-win . . . where the children are going to benefit, our seniors and veterans, and the community as well.” She thanked donors, large and small, who have helped bring the vision to life. The centre will include 49 new childcare spaces and feature accessible layouts, comfortable furnishings, and shared spaces—indoors and outdoors—to encourage natural intergenerational connections.
The Intergenerational Childcare Centre at Perley Health will be a Canadian first, but AFCS already runs two intergenerational programs developed with the Council on Aging of Ottawa, Families Canada, and other partners. In these programs, Ottawa seniors are referred to as “grandfriends,” and visits involve organic interactions rather than passive observing.
AFCS CEO Kim Hiscott noted that the new centre will reduce isolation and restore a sense of purpose for seniors and veterans, while “creating moments of joy and dignity.” She added that it will not only set new standards for childcare and senior care but also “connects generations and strengthens communities.”
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe told the crowd, “What we’re witnessing here today is especially gratifying. It is an idea that is going to have such a great impact on so many lives.” Fittingly, as he spoke, the same toddler wandered in front of the podium, underlining his words: “. . . it’s really magical to see that in action, when you see the kids with the residents.”
Akos Hoffer, CEO of Perley Health, recalled his own struggles rushing across town for daycare drop-offs and pickups, and expressed gratitude that Perley staff will benefit from the new centre. He noted that piling is already complete and that the building will “soon come up out of the grounds.”
The Intergenerational Child Care Centre will be part of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) initiative, which aims to deliver $10-a-day care and expand access to affordable, inclusive, high-quality childcare. With $1.2 million already raised, the Bridging Generations campaign is just over halfway to its $2 million goal.
For more information or to donate, visit perleyhealthfoundation.ca.
Photo: From left to right, Akos Hoffer, CEO, Perley Health; John Fraser, MPP Ottawa South; Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe; George Darouze, MPP Carleton; Delphine Haslé, Executive Director, Perley Health Foundation; Kim Hiscott, Executive Director, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
