The Government of Ontario is helping to establish community hubs and has selected four projects across the province that will receive support.
Locally, the Indigenous Early Years Hub that would be located at the former Dr. McDougall Public School, will receive funding from the Ministry of Education. This proposed community hub will provide services to Indigenous communities, including a child and family program and licensed daycare, Indigenous cultural and linguistic programs and services for families, all supported by local elders and Indigenous partners.
DNSSAB Chair Mark King says the social services board is pleased to receive the funding which allows assets to be leveraged into other uses within the community.
Under the Surplus Property Transition Initiative, funding will aid these hubs to offer a number of public services for local residents under one roof, as well as cover property holding costs such as ongoing operating and maintenance costs for up to 18 months. During this time community groups will be able to find additional partners and develop long-term business plans to transition the properties to community hubs.