Area not-for-profit agencies get a few infrastructure dollars

Left to right: Susan Houghton, Sue Elz, MPP Monique Smith, Crystal L. Heureux, Jeanne D'Arc Foisy and Martina Getz, Executive Director of L'Arche North Bay. Photo provided.

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Ontario is helping create about 450 jobs across the province by supporting infrastructure projects at local not-for-profit social service organizations.

Eight not-for-profit social service organizations in Nipissing will improve their facilities, so they can better serve low income and vulnerable Ontarians, including children, youth and families. The province is investing $788,992 to support these projects.

Almaguin Highlands Community Living, Powassan
$22,884

Community Living North Bay
$244,581

L’Arche North Bay
$170,977

Crisis Centre North Bay
$16,000

Christian Horizons, Sundridge
$5,500

Community Living Mattawa
$246,550

Children’s Aid Society
$60,500

Mattawa Women’s Resource Centre
$22,000

This is part of a $50 million investment over two years to support nearly 1,000 capital projects in communities across the province. These projects will include expansions and renovations that will improve security, accessibility and energy efficiency at eligible social service facilities.

Investing in infrastructure is a critical part of Ontario’s plan to restore growth, save and create jobs in the short term, and build foundations for the future.

These investments will go a long way to helping our local service providers improve their facilities and support children, youth and families in our communities,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “It will also create jobs and stimulate our local economy.”

“By improving aging facilities and creating local jobs, this investment will go a long way in helping many of Ontario’s most vulnerable children, youth and families,” said Laurel Broten, Minister of Children and Youth Services.

“The best way to improve Ontario’s economy is to invest in our people and our communities. Improving the health and safety, accessibility and energy efficiency of social service agencies creates jobs — and most importantly — hope,” said Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services.

“L'Arche North Bay is pleased to receive infrastructure funding of $ 170,977 from the provincial government over the next two years to address health, safety and accessibility issues at our group home and day program space,” said Martina Getz, Executive Director of L’Arche North Bay. “L’Arche North Bay is one of more than 100 communities around the world that make up the International Federation of L’Arche.  Inspired by Jean Vanier, son of former Governor General Georges Vanier, L’Arche North Bay was founded in 1978.  At the heart of L'Arche North Bay are the two homes and the day program where people with intellectual l disabilities and the assistants share their lives.”

“We, at Community Living Mattawa are very appreciative of the infrastructure funding we received and applaud the consistent support of our MPP Monique Smith in promoting the importance of our agency. This investment in the maintenance, repairs and renewal of our buildings will go a long way in securing a bright future for both the organization and the many people with disabilities that are supported from each location. We look forward to the vibrant renewal of our properties made possible with the funding announced today,” said Laura Pierce, Executive Director of Community Living Mattawa.

“On behalf of Jennifer Valenti Executive Director for Community Living North Bay we are pleased to accept these funds which will go towards many needed repairs. This will address accessibility, health and safety and energy efficiency issues in our infrastructure. This funding is crucial in order to ensure people are safe and have the best health possible. We would like to thank the Ministry of Community and Social Services and Monique Smith our local member of provincial parliament for supporting Community Living North Bay,” said Darlene Brooks, Manager of Services for Community Living North Bay.

QUICK FACTS

Investments in infrastructure projects at eligible social service facilities are part of the government’s action plan to stimulate and restore economic growth.

Work on these projects will start in early 2010 and will be completed by March 31, 2011.

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