Ontario Investing in Critical Upgrades and Repairs to CommunityAgency Facilities

$181,000 investment will ensure vital children and social services are delivered in safe and
accessible spaces in Pickering

The Ontario government is investing $181,000 through the Partner
Facility Renewal Program for upgrades and repairs to Karis Disability Services facilities
in Pickering. 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.

“Today’s announcement reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to building
an inclusive and supportive Ontario,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-
Uxbridge. “By investing $181,000 through the Partner Facility Renewal Program in Karis
Disability Services facilities in Pickering, we are ensuring that vital organizations like
these have the resources needed to create safe and accessible spaces.”

Funding is provided to agencies, such as shelters for women and children, homes that
provide daily support for individuals with developmental disabilities, facilities for
survivors of human trafficking, and facilities for children and youth with special needs.

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, ensuring safety for residents with the replacement of exterior doors and
windows, and improve programming spaces.

“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.

“Having a safe place to live in that is in good repair and meets one’s needs is a matter
of dignity for everybody – including people with disabilities,” says Executive Director
Paul Gillam of Karis Disability Services. “Thanks to MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy and to
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, Michael Parsa, people supported
in two sites in Pickering will benefit from the $181,000 provided by the Ministry of
Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). This funding will provide muchneeded
upgrades to windows, doors and bathroom spaces, making these homes safer
and a more welcoming and accessible place to live.”

QUICK FACTS

• Community agencies deliver vital programs related to anti-human trafficking,
  autism, child welfare, children’s mental health, developmental 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
  centers.
  
• Over the past five years, Ontario’s emergency women’s shelters served an
  average of 14,300 women and dependents each year.