By Kim Hiscott
Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (AFCS) has been providing programs and supports to Ottawa families since 1911, and unlike other long-standing early learning and childcare programs, which often evolved from being orphanages, AFCS began as part of a settlement house/ employment services for women who needed to work.
Back then the organization was known as the Ottawa Day Nursery or Nursery Club and was established specifically to provide day care for the children of mothers who sought assistance from the Settlement House. To do their part in supporting the community, Ottawa women of means were encouraged to hire day workers for their homes. It was these same women of means who became the initial strength and remained strong advocates for the Ottawa Day Nursery, with many of them serving on the Board for decades.
They developed programs and responded to the community by being proactive; the breadth and depth of programs that have been offered during the over hundred- year history of AFCS is staggering, and reflective of what was needed at any given time. Free medical clinics, kindergarten programs and sewing clubs are a few of the early examples. From the onset it has also been recognized that providing a high-quality early learning experience for children should be at the core, and this continues to be the anchor for actions today.
Gertrude Fleck, eldest daughter of J.R. Booth and wife of Andrew Fleck, of the Fleck foundry family, was a pivotal member of the organization; she was one of the founding members, served many years as President and remained on the Board until her death.
In the mid-1920s it was recognized that the space the Ottawa Day Nursery was occupying was no longer suitable; it was time for a building of its own. The Board applied for City funding and were turned down, but rather than giving up they instead launched a public appeal to raise the necessary funds, including a black-and-white soundless trailer shown in six Ottawa movie theatres. You can still see the trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2sOjsPgBgc.
In 1931 Gertrude announced that she would donate the land and money needed to construct the building in memory of her husband, Andrew Fleck who had passed away in 1924. This generous donation allowed for the construction of an architect-designed childcare space that still stands majestically at the corner of King Edward and George streets.
The building officially opened on July 20, 1932 to provide care for children from infants to school age, as outlined in the original Objects from 1920
- To provide a home during the day for children whose mothers have to go to work;
- To assist in securing day work for the mothers in need of it;
- To encourage habits of thrift among the parents and children; and
- To do such other things as the corporation may deem to be advantageous to such mothers and children.
While there have been a number of interior and minor exterior renovations and repairs over the years the bones of the building are solid and still well-purposed to welcome children and families.
Today there are two buildings on George Street, separated by a greenspace. The newest building (for now; AFCS is currently constructing two more elsewhere in Ottawa) is at 185 George Street and that is where 30 of the youngest children spend their day outside and inside. 195 George Street is licensed for 48 preschool age children who spend their days in different rooms occupying lots of spaces in the building. The building at 195 George is also where meals and snacks for both buildings are prepared and where administration for the two programs is located.
Both the toddler and preschool groups prioritize outdoor play and the children spend as much time outside as possible. Passers-by are encouraged to say “hi” as they walk by. At the same time, they are asked not to allow their dogs to pee on the fence since this ends up in the sand and on the toys that the children are touching.
Recently, the neighbouring federal government building provided an extra fenced greenspace so the children could be away from the noise, fumes and dust caused by the construction across the street.
The recent increase in loitering and drug use is proving troublesome, and the Centre is seeking some assistance in reminding everyone that it is a space for children. Normally when people are reminded of this, they do move along. Soon, with thanks to some community support, AFCS expects to have some colourful signs that will hopefully assist in making the purpose of the space more obvious.
It is hard to imagine how many times the doors at 195 George Street have opened, welcoming children, moms, dads, grandparents, other family members and staff. The stories the building could tell, the memories it holds for so many. Even as AFCS has grown, spreading across Ottawa to offer licensed early learning and care as well as other programs to Ottawa families in many different types of buildings (workplaces, university campuses, schools, apartment buildings) It remains proud of its historical roots in Lowertown and thankful to all that have walked alongside as the agency has evolved.
The legacy of Andrew Fleck has certainly grown over the last hundred years or so. AFCS currently offers licensed care in 14 locations, 18 by the end of 2021. It also offers licensed home care, children’s inclusion support services, Early ON, Ottawa Forest and Nature School and more. No doubt the founding members would be very proud of what they established.
If you want to know more about Andrew Fleck Children’s Services, including how to enrol your child, more information can be found on the website: https://www.afchildrensservices.ca If you want to more about the history of AFCS, A local success story – Celebrating 100 years is available for download at
Kim Hiscott is Executive Director and Short Term Child Care Director at Andrew Fleck Children’s Services