Upkeep and renovations ensuring communities continue to have safe access to services
The Ontario government is investing $18.5 million to support necessary building repairs and renovations to 198 community agencies that deliver critical social and community programs across the province. The funding will help ensure those buildings continue to be accessible and in good working order so community agencies can continue to focus on providing vital services for people with developmental disabilities, victims of domestic violence and children with special needs and mental health needs.
“Supporting infrastructure repairs for community agencies is an important part of ensuring that people can continue to safely access the services they depend on,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “These spaces are vital for people with developmental disabilities, women and children experiencing domestic violence, Indigenous people, and children with special needs, and this investment alleviates pressures so that staff can focus on doing their work.”
Seven hundred and six projects are being funded this year through the government’s Partner Facility Renewal program. Community agencies can use the funding for repairs and upgrades to roofing, windows, security systems, fire alarms, electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
The projects were evaluated using building characteristics such as building age, ownership, occupancy, and the urgency of the project.
Quick Facts
- Community agencies deliver vital programs related to anti-human trafficking, autism, child welfare, children’s mental health, children’s treatment centres, developmental services, child development, Indigenous health and wellness, interpreter and intervenor, violence against women and youth justice services.
- There are more than 70,000 adults with a developmental disability in Ontario and about 19,000 will receive residential supports in communities across the province in 2021-22.
- In 2019-20, more than 110,000 children and youth received rehabilitation services (occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech-language pathology) through Children’s Treatment Centres in community-based settings.
- Ontario’s emergency women’s shelters serve more than 15,000 women and children yearly.
- In 2019-20, more than 104,000 families across Ontario were served by 50 children’s aid societies, including 12 Indigenous societies and three faith-based societies.
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