Toronto city staff now say there will be 760 less child care fee subsidies available to families next year, in an updated report on funding changes from the provincial government.
Because of the PCs decision to change the funding formula for expansion from 100 per cent to an 80/20 provincial-municipal split, the city is facing a funding hole of $15 million for 2020.
"This loss of funding could equate to the reduction of approximately 760 child care fee subsidies in 2020, which would result in a return to pre-2018 levels of approximately 29,940 available subsidies," the report says.
The news of going backwards comes as there's currently over 17,000 children on a wait list for a subsidy.
Several councillors and advocates will be speaking on the report later today and NEWSTALK1010 has reached out to the Ministry of Education for a response.
The request on the funding consequences was made by city council, after the Ford Government cancelled plans to impose retroactive cuts to child care funding, but maintained changes for 2020 and beyond.
City staff is also recommending the approval of 49 future child care centres, the capital costs of which will be covered by the province, with the city responsible for $35 million in operating costs.
"Children's Services anticipates that these future impacts can be partially mitigated through a combination of general operating funding, fee subsidies, and incremental parent fees, and will include any additional pressures in the appropriate budget and plan submission if needed," the report said.
However, the report also says the centres - which would offer 3,000 more spaces - aren't expected to be operational until 2022, but more likely, 2025.