Ontario Investing in Upgrades and Repairs to Local Community Facilities
$1,310,100 investment in Thunder Bay – Atikokan will ensure people have access to vital children and social services in safe and accessible spaces
September 6th, 2024
Thunder Bay —The Ontario government is investing $1,322,100 for necessary building upgrades and repairs to 9 children and social services agencies in Thunder Bay – Atikokan / Thunder Bay – Superior North. This funding is part of the government’s $21.6 million investment this year to ensure that agencies across the province continue to connect people to support in safe, accessible facilities.
“Our local children’s and social services organizations are at the heart of our community and our government is proud to invest in Thunder Bay – Atikokan. By funding these repairs and upgrades, we are helping ensure that vulnerable Ontarians can access high-quality services and supports in safe and accessible spaces.” said Kevin Holland, MPP Thunder Bay – Atikokan
Funding through the Partner Facility Renewal program is provided to agencies, such as shelters for women and children, homes that provide daily support for people with developmental disabilities, facilities for survivors of human trafficking, and facilities for children and youth with special needs.
This year, 642 projects across the province are being funded to address essential maintenance and infrastructure repairs such as upgrading accessibility ramps and lifts, installing security systems and retrofitting kitchen and washroom spaces.
In Thunder Bay – Atikokan, the following agencies are receiving funding:
| Beendigen Incorporated | $376,300 |
| Community Living Atikokan | $44,900 |
| Dilico Anishinabek Family Care | $533,000 |
| First Step Women’s Shelter | $124,800 |
| George Jeffrey Children’s Centre | $3,900 |
| OPTIONS Northwest Personal Support Services | $31,800 |
| Superior Greenstone Association for Community Living | $162,500 |
| William W. Creighton Youth Services | $32,900 |
| Marjorie House | $11,000 |
“Community agencies make our province stronger and more vibrant by connecting people to the services they need, where they need it” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Our government is investing in hundreds of local community agencies so that they can spend more time helping people and less time worrying about building repairs.”
“Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is grateful for the support provided through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Service. These resources will enable us to undertake much needed renovations to our facilities enhancing the environment for the many children, youth and families that use them. This investment will improve our community infrastructure and allow us to continue to deliver quality services in a more accessible and sustainable space. “We are excited about the positive impact these renovations will have on our ability to serve the community” says John Dixon, Associate Executive Director, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care “This funding will not only address critical facility upgrades but will also help us to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all.”
“Thanks to continued support from the Ontario government and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Community Living Atikokan is able to offer opportunities that enable individuals to achieve growth, quality of life, inclusion, and equality within the community to their fullest potential.” said Jim Turner, Executive Director of Community Living Atikokan
“We are very appreciative and grateful for support from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services through the Partner Facility Renewal Program.” said Colleen Maloney, Beendigen Executive Director “The funding will go toward upgrading the exterior of our crisis home, including new soffit, fascia, and eavestroughs, and further improvements to the siding and roof. These renovations will continue to ensure we are providing a safe, comfortable space of shelter for Indigenous families who need our support. “
Quick Facts
- This year, as part of the Partner Facility Renewal Program, the government is investing a total of $21.68 million in for 642 projects at 181 community agencies across the province.
- Community agencies deliver vital programs related to anti-human trafficking, autism, child welfare, children’s mental health, developmental services, child development, Indigenous health and wellness, interpreter and intervenor services, violence against women and youth justice services.
- Approximately 19,000 adults with developmental disabilities received supportive living services in 2022-23.
- In 2022-23, more than 61,000 children and youth received community-based rehabilitation services, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech-language pathology.
- In addition, nearly 83,000 students received school-based rehabilitation services from children’s treatment centres.
- Over the past five years, Ontario’s emergency women’s shelters served an average of 14,300 women and their dependents each year.