Operate the childcare facility at the new Carrville Community Centre
The City of Vaughan is seeking a non-profit childcare operator to bring high-quality early learning and care to families at our brand-new Carrville Community Centre. If your organization is passionate about nurturing young minds and strengthening communities, this is your opportunity to lead.
The City of Vaughan is seeking a not-for-profit childcare provider to operate a brand-new childcare facility located at the Carrville Community Centre, Library and District Park — Vaughan’s newest community hub located one kilometre east of Dufferin Street just south of Major Mackenzie Drive at Thomas Cook Avenue. This is a unique opportunity to become a key part of a thriving, growing neighbourhood and make a lasting impact on local families.
If your organization is passionate about early childhood development and providing high-quality care in a supportive, community-centred environment, we want to hear from you.
About the opportunity
The City has issued a request for proposals (RFP) RFP25-076 – Selection of Child Care Centre Operator for Carrville Community Centre through the Vaughan Bids and Tenders platform. Not-for-profit organizations with experience in licensed childcare are invited to submit a proposal to operate the facility on behalf of the City. The selected operator will enter into a lease agreement and oversee all aspects of childcare delivery, staffing, programming and administration.
Key Details
RFP closing date: Monday, May 5, 2025 at 3 p.m. EST
Mandatory upcoming site visits
- Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
- Time: 3 p.m.
- Location: 655 Thomas Cook Ave., Vaughan
- Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: 655 Thomas Cook Ave., Vaughan
To download and review the full RFP, please visit the Vaughan Bids and Tenders portal and create a FREE account.
Why Carrville?
Opening in 2025, Carrville Community Centre, Library and District Park will be a modern, multi-use destination designed to meet the needs of a vibrant and growing community. The childcare centre will feature:
- A purpose-built, fully outfitted space for licensed childcare
- Safe, accessible design tailored for young children
- Proximity to outdoor play areas and family-focused amenities
And that’s not all — the facility is part of a larger community complex that will include:
- a gymnasium, indoor running track and fitness studios
- indoor pool and aquatics area
- modern teaching kitchen
- multipurpose activity rooms
- library branch
- outdoor greenspace and walking paths, including a playground; splashpad; pickleball, tennis and multi-use courts; outdoor pump track; and a skating trail in the winter
This is a rare chance to deliver childcare services in a brand-new building designed for connection, wellness and community.
What’s included
As the successful operator, your organization will:
- lease a City-owned childcare facility for up to 15 years
- operate and manage all childcare programming and staff
- collaborate with City staff and centre partners as part of a thriving community space
- gain early access to a high-growth neighbourhood with strong demand for childcare
- benefit from exposure in a high-traffic community hub — Vaughan’s community centres welcomed more than 4.5-million visits in 2024 alone
The City of Vaughan will provide:
- a newly constructed, fit-for-purpose space
- base building amenities and outdoor infrastructure
- designated drop-off and pick-up area to support safe, convenient access for families
Mandatory site visit
To be eligible to submit a proposal, all proponents must attend the mandatory site visit, which gives prospective childcare operators the opportunity to view the designated childcare space in person. You do not need to be a registered plan taker to attend the site visit.
Mandatory upcoming site visits:
- Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
- Time: 3 p.m.
- Location: 655 Thomas Cook Ave., Vaughan
- Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: 655 Thomas Cook Ave., Vaughan
If you are interested in attending the site visit, please email Alice Hau, Procurement Category Specialist, at Alice.Hau@vaughan.ca to secure your attendance. While registration is preferred, walk-ins will not be turned away. Attendees who are more than 10 minutes late may not be permitted to complete the site visit. Upon arrival, at least one representative from your organization must sign the official attendance sheet.
Meeting point: Please meet at the north-east entrance of the community centre, located in the north parking lot, accessible via Thomas Cook Avenue. Parking is available onsite and along Thomas Cook Avenue or Valley Vista Drive.
Attendees will receive conceptual drawings of the childcare space. These are for reference only and may change.
Important: Proposals from proponents who did not attend the site visit will not be considered.
How to submit a proposal
Submitting a bid is a simple, three-step process:
- Create a free account on the City’s Bids and Tenders portal.
- Register as a “Plan Taker” for RFP25-076 – Child Care Centre Operator for Carrville Community Centre
- Download the RFP documents, attend a mandatory site meeting, and submit your completed proposal before the deadline.
Be sure to check the site regularly for any addenda or updates.
For more information about Bids and Tenders, including how to create an account, register as a plan taker and search bid opportunities, please read the Quick Reference Guide (PDF). For technical support, please contact Bids and Tenders directly at support@bidsandtenders.ca or 1-800-594-4798.
Submit your bid online by:
Monday, May 5, 2025 at 3 p.m. EST
Key dates at a glance
| Milestone | Date |
| RFP Release | March 13, 2025 |
| Mandatory Site Meeting | April 9, 2025 (3:00 PM EST) |
| Mandatory Site Meeting | April 14, 2025 (10:00 AM EST) |
| Question Deadline | April 22, 2025 (3:00 PM EST) |
| RFP Submission Deadline | May 5, 2025 (3:00 PM EST) |
Frequently Asked Questions
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The City of Vaughan is looking to partner with a qualified, not-for-profit childcare operate to provide services in this new childcare space.
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Yes, the space has been constructed as part of the new Carrville Community Centre and is purpose-built for licensed childcare. It will be ready for occupancy pending operator selection and final preparations. The wider community centre is still under the final phases of construction and while not yet opened to the public, it is anticipated to open in 2025.
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The centre is designed to accommodate multiple age groups with dedicated rooms, washroom facilities and outdoor play areas. Full space specifications and capacity details are included in the RFP documents and architectural drawings.
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The selected operator will enter into a lease agreement with the City of Vaughan. The initial term is expected to be five years, with options to renew based on performance and community needs.
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Yes, the operator will be responsible for rent. Details are outlined in the RFP and are based on market comparisons for similar municipally owned childcare spaces.
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No, the selected operator will be responsible for paying utilities and other operating expenses associated with the space. A list of expected responsibilities and costs is included in the Terms of Reference.
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Yes, the City is committed to supporting awareness of the new operator and may offer promotional support through its community centre marketing channels.
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Yes, within reason. Operators will be able to furnish and decorate the space to meet licensing requirements and enhance the childcare environment. Any permanent alterations will require prior City approval.
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Yes. The successful proponent must hold or obtain a valid license from the Ministry of Education to operate a childcare centre in Ontario.
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No. Proponents are required to attend the pre-scheduled mandatory site meeting. No other visits will be arranged at this time.
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Yes, but the proposal must clearly identify the lead organization and each partner’s role. All parties must meet the eligibility and experience requirements outlined in the RFP.
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The City is seeking an operator with:
- A track record of providing high-quality licensed childcare
- Experience working in publicly owned or shared community facilities
- Strong governance and financial oversight
- Commitment to inclusive and equitable practices
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Proposals will be evaluated on a points system based on qualifications, approach to programming, organizational strength, financial viability, and understanding of community needs. A detailed breakdown is provided in the RFP. To download and review the full RFP, please visit the Vaughan Bids and Tenders portal and create a FREE account.
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Operators must carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $5 million, property insurance, and additional coverage as outlined in the RFP.
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For technical support, please contact Bids and Tenders directly at support@bidsandtenders.ca or 1-800-594-4798.
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Following the submission deadline, the City will review and evaluate all proposals. A successful childcare operator will be selected and announced after the evaluation process is complete.
Contact Information
City of Vaughan
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For procurement-related inquiries, please contact:
Procurement Services department
Email: procurement@vaughan.ca
Phone: 905-832-2281
Vaughan Bids and Tenders
Related Links
Video: Carrville Community Centre construction progress
Carrville Community Centre, Library and District Park - Construction Updates