Ontario Investing in Critical Upgrades and Repairs to Community Agency Facilities

Provincial investment of over $581K to ensure vital social services are delivered in safe and accessible spaces in Kenora-Rainy River

FORT FRANCES — The Ontario government is investing over $581,000 through the Partner Facility Renewal Program for upgrades and repairs to community agency facilities in across Kenora-Rainy River. 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 at safe and accessible facilities.

“Our government is investing in the critical children’s and social services organizations across Kenora–Rainy River that local families count on for high-quality programs and services,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “The Partner Facility Renewal Program provides local agencies with funding for building repairs and upgrades so they can continue focusing on the essential social services that support our community’s most vulnerable.”

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 agency facilities receiving funding in the Kenora-Rainy River region provide security and support to those most vulnerable within our community, such as people living with intellectual disabilities, children and adults with developmental disabilities and families in need of security and support from their community. Funding will also support agencies that provide culturally appropriate and holistic mental and physical support to Indigenous communities in our region.

Recipients in Kenora–Rainy River include:

  • Community Living Fort Frances and District – 12 projects at 5 different locations totaling $333,700
    • Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services (formally Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services) – 1 project totaling $65,000
    • Kenora Association for Community Living – 4 projects at 4 different locations totaling $42,100
    • Kenora-Rainy River Districts Child and Family Services – 1 project totaling $140,700

“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.

“Community Living Fort Frances and District (CLFFD) is thankful for the Ontario government’s Partner Facility Renewal funding, which is essential to our agency and those individuals we support,” said Ted Scholten, Chief Executive Officer of Community Living Fort Frances and District. “Multiple projects will be completed by local contractors to enhance aging infrastructure at 5 of our sites. These capital improvements, such as HVAC, interior flooring, exterior entrances, and window replacements, will directly affect 20 individuals we provide housing and other supports for, as well as renovations to our Resource Center and Central Administration Office building.”   

“Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services is grateful for the investment into our Mino Ayaa Ta Win Healing Center, where we offer medically supervised detox services, a 28-day residential treatment program and rapid access addiction medicine services to members of the 10 Anishinaabe communities and surrounding area,” said Kayla Caul-Chartier, Chief Executive Officer of Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services. “The funds received will support the development of outdoor recreational space for clients as well as, increase parking space and repair road ways around the Center.”

“Kenora Association for Community Living (KACL) is appreciative of the support and additional funding to address important upgrades and repairs to the housing we offer to people who look to us for essential care,” said Deborah L. Everley, Chief Executive Officer of Kenora Association for Community Living. “This funding will ensure that we are able to provide a safe environment for those in our care, and for our employees on whom we rely on to provide skilled and compassionate care.”

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.