Hi, it really depends if you run it as a homedaycare with only five children if you're private or six if you're with an agency, it would be ok. If you're planning a larger number of kids then it won't work, then you'll have to apply for different permits etc, and look for commercial zoning buildings.

A friend of mine opened in a duplex she leased the main floor and had access.to a back yard, and she operated as a small daycare for many years but only with five kids.

Another friend still open she rents in a triplex, she took the basement bachelor apartment for her daycare and the main floor for her family and she has full use of the back yard. I think renting an apartment in a building will also work but, you must analize and use common sense, ex. When I started I was also planning to do so, renting an apartment so I looked basically the main floors with easy access, not balconies, also it had to be close to emergency door ways, one bedroom or a.bachelor would had worked great and big windows, and parks close by. Also I had to look convenient parking spots for parents (especially during winter) or look and search for buildings that have families in need of childcare. I did a test run in few building in my area I did a poster and all my inf. Posted in the main entrances and laundry areas and I was able to determine which building had more families. I had everything ready to start, location, furniture etc. But then we had move my husband's work transferred him to another city and we left.

By the way, the Toronto city by laws won't gI've you much of a guidance in the daycare subject, search in the ontario ministry of education websites, and try to become familiar with all the regulations to open a homedaycare or a centre. You can also call them and ask. Good.luck.