Union Gospel Mission - Eastsiders Out Of School Care

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

  Observation. Reviewed overall cleanliness, safety and maintenance with Manager. Noted the overall cleanliness has been maintained at a satisfactory level over the past three inspections. Manager concurred and said they continue to monitor. If any issues arise, they address them in a timely way. Manager pointed out the painting since my last routine in July 2025. We discussed the high need for regular painting and touch ups in child care facilities. Also discussed the benefits of wainscotting and types. Many childcares that have installed high quality wainscotting in high impact areas find this a cost savings over the long term. The north balcony was free of bird feces today ( a welcome change from last year). Noted the condition of the closet doors in the gross motor / nap room. The sliding doors just hang, moving to and fro (north to south) when touched. This is unsafe and a hazard for active children. Manager stated she has submitted a work order with no response to date. Manager noted the doors have been repaired in the past and mitigations do not last. I remarked that it may be time to consider a different door system on the closet. Bandaid repairs appear to be failing.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. Play structure overall is in satisfactory condition. Manager stated the playgrounds including structures are pressure washed to remove slippery green slime twice a year. Last round was in December and the second is planned for beginning of June. Confirmed that, based on current condition of afflicted features June, if not earlier, is a reasonable time frame. Confirmed exposed wood features including steps, railings and stumps have green slime on them. It is typical for green slime to accumulate over the wet winter season. See photo for example of slime. Manager and staff team are monitoring the misalignment of the edging of bars at bottom of the rappelling log element on the play structure. See photo for visual. While the edging does project away from the cement curbing about an inch., it is not likely to present a safety hazard given the railings are not support beams, the width of the bike/ traffic pathway allows at least two to pass at a time and the room the children have to navigate in that area (on foot or wheeled toy). We referred back to our prior conversation in 2025, that we would monitor and, if accidents arise, reconsider and discuss mitigations. Manager expressed her support for this approach and will continue to monitor. Programs typically budget to replace and or top up sand at least once a year. Children fill, carry and dump sand, sand gets in children's shoes and clothing and eventually the level drops. Manager discussed replenishing sand mid / late spring for the summer. CCFL concurs with this planning. Discussed obtaining high quality washed sand suitable for construction play and molding. The wall on the far north east corner is cracked with a large hole. Product has not withstood the typical impact of wheeled toys. Manager said a work order has gone in but no action to date. This hole & cracked surfacing is a safety hazard. It is likely to get worse and become a more costly repair over time. See photo. Observed a child trying to climb up the rappelling wall. The hand and footholds were slipping under the child's feet and hand grasp. This is a significant safety hazard and likely a simple fix of repositioning and tightening the foot/ hand holds. Manager stated this is on work order as well with no action to date. See photo. A third and pervasive issue - tripping and other related safety hazards due to soil erosion & pavers lifting throughout the landscaped areas. Manager has placed a request for more top soil and for pavers to be embedded into the earth (as it was upon opening). To date, no action. Observed today that soil erosion has exposed sharp edges of concrete/ metal fittings and exposed piping as well as providing areas for water to pool. Lack of soil has impacted what can be grown in the planters. And significantly left raised edges on the pavers that result in tripping hazards. See photos for visual. This safety risk to be addressed asap. Another issue that was highlighted during 2025 routine inspection related to the artificial grass. Children are curious and have been lifting up the southwest corner. Manager has requested that edge be secured to prevent children from having contact with harmful nanoparticles and plastics. See photo.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

  Observation. Reviewed overall cleanliness, safety and maintenance with Manager. Noted that overall the level of cleanliness has improved and held at a satisfactory level over the past two inspections. Maintenance is at a satisfactory standard as well. Any exceptions are discussed below. In the Lavender, we noted the cover for the HVAC venting was dusty in the washroom. Staff and Manager reported the HVAC system including venting is cleaned twice a year. Staff member said they thought the next cleaning was likely due in September 2025. We also noted that the cove flashing had warped, leaving a small opening along the west wall next to the toilet. Discussed possible preventative measures to address this. Walls are heavily chipped throughout the Lavender room. This is not unexpected with a newly licensed facility and staff moving furnishings to discover what configurations work and those that don't. In addition, child care spaces typically require more frequent painting due to heavy use compared to residential. Manager reported that a requisition for repainting was in progress. Observed the balcony where emergency supplies are stored has not been bird proofed. Bird feces was evident on the balcony and furnishings. Staff access his space for breaks and in case of emergency. While staff change shoes to enter program rooms, everyone (staff, families and children) access the lobby coming and going to the program spaces. Tracking of feces into the facility is a concern requiring action.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

No violations recorded at this inspection.