ON Government: Upgrades to Buildings Will Sustain Vital Services for Children and Families

Press Release

February 8, 2019

NEPEAN — Ontario’s Government is working for the People by helping community agencies repair and renovate their buildings so they can continue providing vital services to children and families.

Through the annual Partner Facility Renewal program, the government is investing $1.6 million in more than 60 projects that will upgrade and repair community agencies across Ontario. The investments help agencies maintain their buildings, so they can provide better services for people with developmental disabilities, women and children escaping domestic violence, Indigenous people, children with mental health needs, and others being supported in community settings.

“We want our community agencies to spend more time helping people and less time worrying about building repairs,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Our government understands the need for targeted investments while balancing our responsibility to efficiently manage resources.”

Minister MacLeod made the announcement today at Total Communication Environment (TCE) where the province is investing $384,400 in to help make necessary improvements to fire safety systems at seven locations, including sites in Ottawa, Nepean and Gloucester.

The funding will help agencies with minor but essential maintenance such as replacing the furnace, repairing the roof, upgrading fire safety equipment, or repairs to the building structure. Keeping buildings safe and in good shape allows community agencies to continue to provide quality services and programming for years to come.

“This important investment will allow us to upgrade the homes of over 90 individuals with multiple disabilities and special communication needs and provide the necessary supports to enable individuals to live, work and participate in their communities,” said Karen Belyea, Executive Director of Total Communication Environment.

Quick Facts

• TCE is a non-profit charitable organization that provides residential, day services and outreach to long-term care homes for adults with multiple disabilities and special communication needs.
• 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.
• Ontario’s emergency women’s shelters serve more than 17,000 women and children yearly.
• 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

Derek Rowland

Minister’s Office
Derek.Rowland@ontario.ca
647-272-6248

 

Dan Schultz

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Daniel.Schultz@ontario.ca
647-534-3606

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