Children and Families across the North to Get Services in Upgraded Buildings
Press Release
Repairs and Renovations at Community Agencies Part of Plan for Healthier and Safer Communities
February 12, 2020
THUNDER BAY — Ontario is helping community agencies repair and renovate their buildings so they can continue providing services to children and families.
Today, Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, joined by Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs announced at Ontario Native Women’s Association that Ontario is investing over $1.6 million for repairs and upgrades at agencies across northern Ontario. This includes an investment of $678,500 at Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA). This investment, primarily in a new elevator, will make ONWA fully accessible and help with the development and delivery of services for Indigenous women and children.
“Helping our community partners maintain and upgrade their buildings just makes sense,” said Minister Rickford. “Our local agencies work hard every day to help people who need extra support. We want to make sure their buildings are safe and in good shape so they can provide quality services and programming for years to come.”
“I’m proud that our government continues to support important services people rely on,” said Minister Smith. “When community agencies are able to make necessary repairs to their buildings, they can better focus on the people they serve.”
These investments help agencies maintain building capacity, while providing better services for people with developmental disabilities, women and children experiencing domestic violence, Indigenous people and children with mental health needs.
Helping community partners maintain and upgrade their buildings is part of the government’s plan to build healthier and safer communities.
Quick Facts
- The $1.6 million investment will be distributed between agencies in Kiiwetioong, Kenora-Rainy River, Thunder Bay-Superior North, Thunder-Atikiokan, Mushkegowuuk-James Bay, Algoma-Manitoulin, Sault Ste. Marie, Nickel Belt, Sudbury, Timmins, Timiskaming-Cochran.
- Through the annual Partner Facility Renewal program, the government is investing a total of $11.5 million in more than 350 projects that will upgrade and repair community agencies across Ontario.
- In 2018-19, Children’s Treatment Centres provided rehabilitation services to more than 100,000 children and youth with special needs and their families.
- There are more than 70,000 adults with a developmental disability in Ontario and about 18,000 receive residential supports in communities across the province.
- In 2017-18, almost 109,000 families across Ontario were served by 49 children’s aid societies, including 11 Indigenous societies and three faith-based societies.
Media Contacts
Christine Wood
Minister’s Office
Christine.Wood@ontario.ca
(437) 239-9989
Kristen Tedesco
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Kristen.Tedesco@ontario.ca
(416) 803-6153
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