It all began with a Facebook post from a single mom with two children under the age of three. She was searching in the neighborhood for a place to spend time with her kids on rainy, snowy, or hot days—a space to meet other families. Other parents shared the same need: a safe and nearby environment where children could play freely while adults could take a break, relax, and connect.
A place that feels like home.
That’s how Catherine, Erin, Thaylini, Jo, and Patricia—all mothers from Plateau Mont-Royal with one or two young children—decided to take action. Each brought different, complementary skills, carving out time from their already busy schedules to help the project take shape. In the weeks that followed, more parents got involved: painting, building furniture, donating toys… and also designing the logo, creating the website, taking photos, and more.
The landlord, Philippe, gave valuable support. Later, Mobilila donated furniture, Alma Plantes provided plants, a craftsman gifted a rocking horse, and many parents continue to contribute by repairing, installing, and improving the space.
In August, Local Familial officially became a non-profit organization (NPO). On January 1, 2025, the Local officially opened its doors. Since then, it has become a central gathering spot for families: a lively, practical, and welcoming space where children can play while parents catch their breath and build connections with each other.
Local Familial is part of the social economy. This means it operates as a non-profit with the same rigor as a small business, but with a mission centered on serving a collective need rather than generating profit. For the moment, Local Familial does not receive any funding from the Ministry; the project runs entirely on its own income, mainly through memberships and services used by members.
In 2026, Local Familial will celebrate its very first anniversary—and we hope the project will last for many years to come. Already, the Local has witnessed first steps, first friendships between children, first discoveries of playing together, and first experiences with new materials. It’s where a little girl tried painting for the very first time, where parents left their child in daycare for the first time, and where kids return, excited to continue a craft project, find a favorite toy or animator, or hope to meet a friend again.
