What is the Local Familial, exactly?
It's a big, bright, open, comfortable space.
No need to reserve—come when you like.
It's a bit like a home away from home.
Here, children play, explore, and interact, even the littlest ones.
They learn about socializing, sharing, and following the rules of a common space.
Meanwhile, the parents can take a breather.
Sit down, read a book, have a warm cup of coffe, or socialize as well.
The kitchen is accessible, just like it would be at a friend's house.
You can make yourself a coffee or tea.
You can share a snack, reheat a meal, or prepare one.
We created this space to facilitate conversation.
To facilitate rest.
And most of all, to support each other.
Being a parent means having things in common, but there are differences too.
Here, everyone is welcome.
You might watch someone else's child while they run to the bathroom.
Someone will help you while you take care of a baby.
The children learn that there are many ways to live and care for others.
We aim to embody the expression "it takes a village to raise a child."
The Local is that village.
And parents make the village come alive.
They fix, clean, and craft.
Here, almost everything has been donated, set up, or restored by families.
The Local Familial is a shared home.
For children.
For parents.
To build bonds and catch your breath.
History
The 2025 team from left to right: Romina, Tassyla, Alix, Thaylini and Lina, Jo, Catherine, Erin and Félix, Marion, Clémentine.
It all began with a Facebook post from a single mom with two children under the age of three. She was searching the neighbourhood 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 space nearby where children could play freely and safely while adults 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 time out of 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 and continues to give valuable support.
In August, the 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.
The Local has witnessed first steps, first friendships between children, and first experiences playing together, learning to share, and trying out 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 favourite toy, or see a facilitator or a friend again.
We have plenty of ideas and projects still to come—join us to shape the Local's future!
How we work
The Local Familial is a non-profit organization created in August 2024. It is led by a five-person board of directors.
At the beginning of each school year, we hold an annual general meeting, during which we present the past year's activity and financial reports to all of our members. It's an opportunity to gather in a spirit of transparency and dialogue.
Important decisions are made collectively. The board votes on certain aspects, while others are put to members for consultation, either during formal meetings or more informally through discussions at the Local. Our employees also participate in decisions that affect the Local's day-to-day operations: activities, pricing, drop-in daycare, etc.
