Supporting Urban Aboriginal Health, Culture and Economic Growth
Ontario Providing Land Located on Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Site
Ministry of Infrastructure
Ontario is moving forward on a historic project that will create more economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for urban Aboriginal Peoples.
The province is transferring a section of land on the site of the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Athletes’ Village to Anishnawbe Health Toronto where dynamic, world-class Aboriginal community health and cultural centres will be built following the Games.
The new Aboriginal Community Health Centre will provide access to traditional Aboriginal and modern health services. Working in partnership with the Ontario government, the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network, Aboriginal groups, and other public sector organizations, the Aboriginal community cultural hub could include spaces for education, social enterprises and the performing arts.
Infrastructure is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths – its people and strategic partnerships.
Quick Facts
- The new Aboriginal Community Health Centre will allow Anishnawbe Health Toronto to consolidate services from its three existing facilities under one roof. The 2.4-acre site is located at the corner of Front and Cherry streets.
- The health centre and community hub will be a key legacy of the Games, providing a meaningful and lasting impact to generations of Aboriginal Peoples in Ontario.
- Ontario provided $8.9 million in operational funding for Aboriginal Community Health Centres in 2012-13.
- Other plans for the West Don Lands include residential units, commercial space, childcare and educational facilities, all surrounded by nearly 23 acres of parks and public spaces.
- In 2011, Ontario provided Anishnawbe Health Toronto approval for a planning and design grant of up to $1.485 million for the planning of the new Aboriginal Community Health Centre.
Quotes
“Bringing health services, cultural and business facilities together in the West Don Lands will contribute to a vibrant neighbourhood and an enhanced quality of life — enriching both Aboriginal Peoples in Toronto and our city as a whole.”
Glen R. Murray
Minister of Infrastructure, MPP for Toronto Centre
David Zimmer
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
Michael Chan
Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games
“Our government is committed to ensuring urban Aboriginal Peoples continue to have access to quality health care when and where they need it. This expanded, accessible and specialized facility will improve access to important health services for Aboriginal people across Toronto.”
Deb Matthews
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
“We thank the Ontario government for its tremendous support in providing the Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis community with greater access to modern and traditional Aboriginal health care services. On behalf of the Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis peoples of the Greater Toronto Area that we serve, Anishnawbe Health Toronto looks forward to our new home in a new and exciting neighbourhood that is reflective of Ontario’s rich diversity and opportunity.”
Jacques Huot
President of the Board of Directors, Anishnawbe Health Toronto
Background
Support for Urban Aboriginal Health, Culture and Economic Growth
“The vision for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games has always included meaningful legacies. It’s exciting and gratifying to see positive impacts already emerging, even before the Games begin.” — The Hon. David Peterson, Chair of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) and Board of Directors
Learn More
Building Together, Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan.
Media Contacts
Andrea Arbuthnot
Communications Branch
Andrea.Arbuthnot@ontario.ca
416-326-4542
Patrick Searle
Minister’s Office
patrick.searle@ontario.ca
416-327-1815
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