The Children's Treatment Centre in Chatham-Kent announced it will be receiving funding to open a new centre.
As part of the 2021 Ontario Budget unveiled on Wednesday, the province's Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the province will be setting aside some funding to help build a new space at the centre to provide services and programs for youth with physical, communication, and developmental needs.
"The funding will allow us to realize the vision of a new Children’s Treatment Centre facility in Chatham-Kent." said the centre's Executive Director, Donna Litwin-Makey.
Makey adds an additional $60 million base budget will increase annually over the next three years and help reduce wait lists.
Board Chair and parent, Mike Grail expressed gratitude towards the province. "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," said Grail. "Additionally, you’ve proved that rural kids matter and for that we are grateful."
The new building will be double the size and will incorporate a family-friendly design. The centre says it will keep families and clients up to date with the building's planning.