Ontario Investing in Critical Upgrades and Repairs to Community Agency Facilities

$140K investment will ensure vital children and social services are delivered in safe and accessible spaces in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes

BROCKVILLE — The Ontario government is investing nearly $140K through the Partner Facility Renewal Program for upgrades and repairs to three children’s and social services facilities in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. This funding
is part of the government’s $21 million investment this year to ensure that 158 children’s and social services agencies across the province continue to connect people to support safe and accessible facilities.

“Ontario’s children’s and social services organizations are at the heart of our communities. Our government is proud to invest in Leeds and Grenville to ensure people can continue to access the high-quality programs and services our agencies provide,” Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.

“By funding these repairs, we are helping staff focus on supporting people in need of services in a safe and accessible space.”

Funding is provided to agencies, such as shelters for women and children, homes that provide daily support for individuals with developmental disabilities, facilities for survivors of human trafficking, and facilities for children and youth with special needs.

This year, 627 projects across the province are being funded so that community agencies can complete repairs and upgrades on projects such as improving accessibility, upgrading security features, and facility renovations to better support programming.

Community agencies receiving funding this year in Leeds and Grenville include:

• Brockville & Area Community Living – $45,800 to help with interior/exterior and accessibility improvements
• Community Living North Grenville – $33,500 to help with a new roof, a new A/C unit and repair of leaking vents
• Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville – $60,600 to help with flooring and safety concerns in their Smiths Falls location

“Our community partners play a crucial role in delivering high-quality programs and services to the people of Ontario,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “With this funding, we are ensuring people across the province can access the vital services they need, where they need them.”

QUICK FACTS

• Community agencies deliver vital programs related to anti-human trafficking, autism, child welfare, children’s mental health, development services, child development, Indigenous health and wellness, interpreter and intervenor services, violence against women, and youth justice services.
• There were more than 72,000 adults eligible for developmental services in Ontario and approximately 19,000 received supportive living services in communities across the province in 2022-23.
• In 2021-22, more than 63,000 children and youth received community-based rehabilitation services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech and language pathology.
• As well, more than more than 75,000 students received school-based rehabilitation services in publicly funded schools from children’s treatment centres.
• Over the past five years, Ontario’s emergency women’s shelters served an average of 14,300 women and dependents each year.