New children's treatment centre building in Chatham-Kent breaks ground

Michael Parsa, minister of children, community and social services, at the ground breaking of the new facility that will house the Children's Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent on Monday, July 29, 2024.  (Children's Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent - image credit)
Michael Parsa, minister of children, community and social services, at the ground breaking of the new facility that will house the Children's Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent on Monday, July 29, 2024. (Children's Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent - image credit)

With a brand new facility now under construction, the Children's Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent marked a "milestone" in expanding services to help more kids in the community.

Treatment centre staff, leaders and provincial representatives celebrated the ground breaking on the new treatment centre on  Monday, marking the start of the $66-million construction project. The provincial government is funding nearly $59 million of the project.

CEO Donna Litwin-Makey said she wanted to thank the community and funders for making the new facility a reality.

"With our vision of 'amazing kids today, enriching our community tomorrow,' this significant provincial investment will meet the needs of our Chatham-Kent children, youth and families with physical, developmental and communication needs," Litwin-Makey said.

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"Ground breaking is an incredible step forward, and we are excited to share this key milestone with our community."

The new 58,000-square foot facility will replace the existing building, allowing the centre to expand and reduce the wait list for services, the province said.

The treatment centre offers services including speech language pathology, physiotherapy, audiology, Ontario Autism Program services and respite services as well as services for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, among other treatments.

They currently provide services and care to more than 3,700 children.

"This modern state-of-the-art centre will offer a variety of specialized services in a safe and accessible environment, ensuring that our children and their families receive the best possible care," said Trevor Jones, Conservative MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington.

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"This investment is a testament to our commitment to improving health outcomes and quality of life for families in our community. This will expand our capacity and services, ensuring that every child and youth receives the comprehensive care they need and deserve."

The funding is part of nearly $600 million the province is spending across Ontario to modernize children's treatment facilities.

"Building a new state-of-the-art Children's Treatment Centre for children and youth with special needs in Chatham-Kent and surrounding communities is one more way our government is ensuring families can connect to specialized services, no matter where they live," said Michael Parsa, the minister of children, community and social services.