Ontario Investing Over $750,000 to Repair and Upgrade Community Agencies

Improving Safety and Accessibility for Ontario Families

July 7, 2016

Today in Markham, Minister of Community and Social Services Dr. Helena Jaczek announced $440,600 in funding for Participation House for various upgrades and repairs through the Partner Facility Renewal program. The funding is part of Ontario’s commitment to help hundreds of community agencies provide better, more secure and accessible facilities for the people who use their services.

This funding will help Participation House to make improvements including installing a new roof, new flooring, new brickwork, as well as replacing a driveway and the air conditioning system. These upgrades will help to maintain Participation House’s facilities in good working order so they can provide better services for their clients.

This funding is part of a $756,200 investment that is being made to upgrade various community agencies in Markham and surrounding area. In total, the province will be investing $16 million overall for upgrades and repairs at more than 170 community agencies across Ontario through its annual Partner Facility Renewal program.

Investing in community agencies that help those most in need is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario’s history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quick Facts

• Other agencies receiving funding for their sites in Markham and surrounding area include Christian Horizons ($67,000), Community Living Toronto ($78,000), Community Living York South ($6,500), L’Arche Daybreak ($86,200), Vita Community Living Services ($120,700) and Xeorixs Homes ($21,800).
• The province will announce funding for other agencies across in the province throughout the summer.
• Last year, hundreds of community agencies received more than $16 million toward upgrades and repairs.
• Approved projects include upgrading accessible washrooms, replacing windows, repairing furnaces, expanding program space, installing carbon monoxide and fire alarms, as well as roof repairs.

Additional Resources

• Learn how Ontario is improving services for people with a developmental disability.
• The Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy is making a difference in Indigenous communities.

Quotes“We are supporting safe, accessible and welcoming spaces for those who need community services with this investment. Valuable community service providers like Participation House want to help people, not worry about leaky roofs or broken furnaces. These funds will help pay for repairs and important renovations so they can focus on the people they serve.”Dr. Helena Jaczek
Minister of Community and Social Services

“We are profoundly grateful to the Ministry of Community and Social Services for their ongoing commitment to adults with physical and developmental disabilities and the service providers that support them. The $440,600 that we received for several projects, including a new roof for Participation House, will help us continue to provide a safe and healthy home for our clients.”

Frances DiCarlo
Executive Director of Participation House, Markham

Media Contacts

Alissa Von Bargen
MCSS Minister’s Office
416-325-5450

Kristen Tedesco
MCSS Communications
416-325-5178

NT5