The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent is set to receive $24-million in capital funding as part of the 2021 Ontario Budget.
Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy announced the funding from the Treasury Board during the delivery of the Budget on Wednesday, March 24, 2021.
“This is very special news, and we are all very excited,” stated Donna Litwin-Makey, executive director, in a media release.
“The funding will allow us to realize the vision of a new Children’s Treatment Centre facility in Chatham-Kent.”
Litwin-Makey added: “I wish to express great appreciation for the government of Ontario, and for the very strong support of Rick Nicholls, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex and the Honourable Monte McNaughton, MPP for Lambton-Kent Middlesex and Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. I thank our Foundation and community for the commitment shown through strong local fundraising. (This) announcement is a reflection on the tireless efforts made by so many over the years. It is a milestone and one we celebrate as a community.”
Treatment Centre officials say the funding is for a new Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTC-CK) that is the right size and the right space for Chatham-Kent clients, families and community.
This specialized new space ensures they can provide services and programs for children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs, Treatment Centre officials added.
“The Centre plays an integral part in the lives of many families in our community,” stated Beth Cumming, board chair, in a media release.
“A new state of the art Children’s Treatment Centre will allow us to reduce our waiting lists and provide new opportunities to meet the needs of Chatham-Kent youth, families, and community partners.”
Mike Grail, the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent board chair and parent, also expressed
a thank you to the Ontario Government.
“You have shown your faith in the work that the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent does to assist our most special population of children and youth in this community to live their best life,” Grail said in a media release.
“Additionally, you’ve proved that rural kids matter and for that we are grateful.”
Minister McNaughton said he is “really proud” of this year’s Ontario budget.
“Lots in it but one special one for local families, a new $20-million Children’s Treatment Centre for families across all of Chatham-Kent,” McNaughton said on social media.
“I know young kids and their families in Wallaceburg, Dresden, and elsewhere that this amazing new centre will help. This is life-changing and a long time coming.”
The new building will be double the size and incorporates a family friendly design, Treatment Centre officials said, adding they will continue to engage staff, clients, families and the Chatham-Kent community in each step of planning.
“We really don’t know where we would be without the Children’s Treatment Centre as they have become family to us, and they have had a huge impact on our daughter’s life and development along with ours,” said Dan Lundy, in a media release.
“We have made our time at the Children’s Treatment Centre the best we can with the limited space and this great news gives our children a new home to thrive and grow.”
In addition to this “historic capital investment” announcement, Litwin-Makey said they are celebrating Wednesday’s budget announcement of an additional $60-million base budget increase annually for three years to Children’s Treatment Centres across the province to significantly reduce wait lists for child development and rehabilitation services, and to continue building existing clinical programs.
Treatment Centre officials say this strong investment will make sure children receive services in a timely manner and ensures the continuum of care for families and children with disabilities.
