News

$430,000 to Build More Modern Community Organization Facilities

Funding ensures community programs are accessible and delivered in safe, comfortable spaces

NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $430,800 into the Nipissing region for upgrades and repairs in 4 community organization facilities throughout the community.

“Our government is investing in Nipissing’s community organizations to ensure people can continue to access to the high-quality programs and services our agencies provide,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “We want staff to have safe, comfortable spaces to focus on the people accessing services so that clients can benefit from the services they need.”

The following community organizations are receiving funding:

• $259,900 for the Canadian Mental Health Association- North Bay and District to help them with the renovation to merge multiple office spaces to allow all program staff to work in the same space, and to enhance safety and accessibility for clients and staff. Work also includes replacing flooring throughout the office.
• $113,400 for the Nipissing Transition House to help them with numerous structural repairs including removing and reinstalling beams, drywall, electrical, plumbing and HVAC system.
• $37,800 for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District to help them repair their stairs, install a lighting system, replace signage, replace uneven surfaces for increased accessibility, and install a seating area.
• $19,700 for Nipissing First Nation to help the Ojibway Women’s Lodge install a ductless and central cooling systems.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to apply for and receive this funding – this is great news! The financial support of the Provincial government helps us to better serve our clients and continue the important work we do.” – Charlene Gravelle, Acting Executive Director of the Nipissing Transition House.

“Relocating to a new space represents the final step of integrating four agencies and creating more seamless access to community mental health and addictions care. This timely funding will allow us to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our staff and the people we support.” – Mary Davis, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, North Bay and District.

This funding is part of the government’s $12.2 million investment in 122 community organizations across the province to ensure they can maintain and improve the facilities that provide important programs and services to Ontarians with developmental disabilities, women and children escaping domestic violence, Indigenous people, children with special needs and mental health needs.

Organizations will use the funding to address essential maintenance and infrastructure repairs such as upgrading accessibility ramps and lifts, installing security systems, and retrofitting kitchen and washroom spaces.

QUICK FACTS

• Community organizations deliver vital programs related to anti-human trafficking, autism, child welfare, children’s mental health, children’s treatment centres, development services, child development, Indigenous health and wellness, interpreter and intervenor services, violence against women and youth justice services.
• There are more than 69,000 adults eligible for developmental services in Ontario and more than 19,000 received residential supports in communities across the province in 2021-22.
• In 2020-21, 54,300 children and youth received community-based rehabilitation services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language pathology and more than 73,100 students received School-based Rehabilitation Services in publicly funded schools from Children’s Treatment Centres.
• Ontario’s emergency women’s shelters serve more than 15,000 women and dependents yearly.