Monday, January 27, 2025
Ontario. Ministry of Health - [Toronto - University Avenue] - [Public Health Care]
Ontario Building Safer Communities With 18 Additional Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs
$529 million record investment will create a total of 27 new HART hubs across Ontario
The Ontario government is helping create safer communities and supporting people struggling with addiction and mental health issues by approving 18 new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, in addition to the 9 HART Hubs that were approved earlier this year. These new Hubs are part of the province’s plan to support safer communities by investing $529 million to create a total of 27 HART Hubs across the province while also banning drug injection sites from operating within 200 metres of schools and licensed child-care centres.
"Our government is helping more people get the treatment and support they need, when and where they need it, by taking the next step to improve access to mental health and addictions services,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Our investment to create a total of 27 new HART Hubs will keep communities safe and ensure timely and comprehensive access to mental health support, addictions care, primary care, supportive housing, and employment services, no matter where you live.”
The 18 new HART Hubs locations were chosen as a result of a province-wide call for proposals last summer. All HART Hubs will have the goal of being operational by April 1, 2025. Earlier this year, the province announced that 9 drug injection sites in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener, Guelph and Thunder Bay that are required to close due to being located within 200 metres of a school or licensed child-care centre have been approved for transition to a HART Hub. This brings the total number of HART Hubs across the province to 27, 8 more than initially planned.
“We are investing more than any government in Ontario’s history to create a nation-leading system of mental health and addictions care,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “The new HART Hubs will give people struggling with addiction the support and treatment services they need to achieve lasting recovery.”
HART Hubs, similar to existing hub models in Ontario, including two in London, that have successfully provided people with care, will reflect regional priorities by connecting people with complex needs to comprehensive treatment and preventative services. These include a range of services to meet local needs such as primary care, mental health services, addictions care, social services and employment support. HART Hubs will also add an estimated 540 highly supportive housing units across all 27 HART Hubs, in addition to addiction recovery and treatment beds, helping thousands of people each year transition to more stable long-term housing.
“I am incredibly grateful that the Ontario Government has selected London to host one of 18 new HART Hubs. These Hubs represent a significant step forward in providing wraparound supports for individuals facing homelessness and addiction, ensuring they have access to the comprehensive care they need to rebuild their lives” said Josh Morgan, Mayor of London. “I want to thank Premier Ford and the Minister of Health for recognizing the success of our existing hub system in London, seeing its potential, and committing to expand this model across Ontario. This investment will transform lives and strengthen communities throughout the province.”
The 18 new HART Hubs that have been approved by the province are:
- Fourcast – Four Counties Addictions Services Team (Peterborough)
- CMHA Peel Dufferin (Brampton)
- Health Sciences North/ Horizon Santé Nord (Greater Sudbury)
- The HART of Simcoe (Barrie)
- Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (Windsor)
- CMHA Hastings and Prince Edward County (Belleville)
- Durham Community Health Centre (Oshawa)
- CMHA Thames Valley (London)
- CMHA Algoma (Sault Ste. Marie)
- Services and Housing in Province (Dufferin County)
- Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (Lanark, Leeds and Grenville)
- Oxford Ontario Health Team (Oxford County)
- County of Renfrew (Renfrew County)
- Gateway of Niagara (Niagara)
- CMHA Lambton Kent Sarnia (Sarnia)
- Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre (Ottawa)
- Kenora Chiefs Advisory (Kenora)
- Maamwesying (Sault Ste. Marie)
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care and building on the Roadmap to Wellness, the province is taking action to connect individuals to integrated mental health and addictions services, where and when they need it.
Quick Facts:
- The creation of HART Hubs is being done in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
- With a focus on treatment and recovery, HART Hubs will not offer so-called safer supply, supervised drug consumption or needle exchange programs.
- Through the Community Care and Recovery Act, 2024, the province has prohibited municipalities and local boards from applying to Health Canada for an exemption for the decriminalization of drugs. The Act also prohibits municipalities and local boards from applying to Health Canada for funding or entering into an agreement with Health Canada in respect to safer supply services or applying for an exemption or renewal of an exemption to operate a supervised consumption site, without prior provincial approval.
- Through the Roadmap to Wellness, Ontario is investing $3.8 billion over 10 years to fill gaps in mental health and addictions care, create new services and expand programs.
- Through the Roadmap to Wellness, the Addictions Recovery Fund and other initiatives, the government recently made the following investments:
- $124 million over the next three years as part of Budget 2024 to sustain more than 380 addiction recovery beds and models of treatment like mobile mental health clinics.
- $152 million over three years for supportive housing to assist individuals facing unstable housing conditions and experiencing mental health and addictions challenges.
- More than $22 million over four years to create 10 new Youth Wellness Hubs that the government is adding to the network of 22 Hubs already opened since 2020, bringing the total number of Youth Wellness Hubs to 32 across the province.
- More than $650 million in annual funding for the Homelessness Prevention Program and $41.5 million for the Indigenous Supportive House Program, which the government increased by $202 million annually in the 2023 provincial budget.
- Up to $16 million to support Police-Partnered Mobile Crisis Response Teams in over 50 communities across the province so that health care professionals can attend crisis situations.
- Over $60 million in annual funding to support Indigenous-led mental health, addictions and well-being supports that will help individuals, families and communities heal from the impacts of intergenerational trauma and colonization through culturally safe and responsive programs and services that are designed and delivered by and for Indigenous people.
Quotes:
"London will benefit tremendously from this new HART hub and the care it will provide to those in our community who need it most. Thank you, Minister Jones, for continuing to provide significant health care investment and supports to London, for a safer and healthier community."
- Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin—Middlesex—London
"We sincerely appreciate the support of Premier Ford, Minister Jones, and the provincial government in expanding critical health services in Ottawa. This funding for a second HART Hub is a vital step in ensuring more residents—urban, suburban, and rural—have access to life-saving care. With Ottawa’s vast geography and growing needs, multiple HART Hubs will strengthen addiction treatment and recovery services. The new Ottawa West Hub, in partnership with four regional paramedic services, will focus on early interventions and housing stability, complementing the Somerset West Hub’s intensive support model. By working together, we’re building a more responsive, compassionate system that prioritizes people-centered care. We look forward to continued collaboration with our provincial and community partners to meet Ottawa’s critical health needs."
- Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa
"We are very pleased to be receiving this crucial funding in Belleville. Having this service model here in our community will go a long way in addressing the ongoing mental health and addictions crisis we are facing. We will be able to provide real, life-changing support to those who need it most. While there is still much work to be done, today’s announcement is a great step in the right direction, and we are grateful to our provincial government for their support."
- Neil Ellis, Mayor of Belleville
"By locating a HART Hub here in Brockville to serve Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, the Government of Ontario is demonstrating it recognizes that the challenges of mental health, addictions, and homelessness extend beyond large urban centres. Small-town and rural Ontario have also been deeply impacted. I am grateful to the Ford Government for directing these vital resources to our community, ensuring we are better equipped to support those in need and making our community safer for all who live here."
- Matt Wren, Mayor of Brockville
" We are thrilled to be selected as a HART Hub site and recognize how vital this initiative will be in providing support to our most vulnerable neighbors. At the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, we look forward to collaborating with Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health to ensure that the right services are in place, offering hope for a brighter future."
- Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
"As Mayor of the City of Woodstock, I am deeply grateful for the partnership and collaboration between the Provincial Government and our local community partners in securing funding approval for the HART Hub. The establishment of a Mental Health and Addictions facility is a strategic priority for City Council and is truly a game-changer for our community, providing the support we need to make a meaningful impact."
- Jerry Acchione, Mayor of Woodstock
"The only way through this crisis is by providing real long-term help for individuals suffering from addictions. This much needed addiction treatment and rehabilitation program will be a game changer for our city. On behalf of the City, thank you to the Provincial Government for this important investment in Barrie!"
- Alex Nuttall, Mayor of Barrie
"This HART Hub funding demonstrates the province’s commitment to helping us tackle the serious mental health and addictions challenges facing municipalities like Greater Sudbury. This partnership bolsters my confidence in the success of transformative projects like the Lorraine Street Transitional Housing development. Together, we are not just addressing immediate needs—we are building sustainable solutions that will change lives and create a stronger, healthier Greater Sudbury. On behalf of the city, I want to thank Premier Ford and the Government of Ontario for this much-needed funding. I am optimistic about the positive outcomes this collaboration will bring for individuals and families across our community."
- Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of Greater Sudbury
"I have been committed to finding recovery-based solutions for those who are in need in our communities. Today’s announcement of a HART Hub in Durham is another important step in that direction as it will provide wrap-around services and recovery-based care for individuals struggling with addiction and provide the foundation for their long-term recovery."
- Dan Carter, Mayor of Oshawa
"The City of Windsor thanks Premier Doug Ford, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra, MPP Andrew Dowie, and the province for their unwavering support, continuous investment, compassion, common sense, and steadfast commitment to our community. With a focus on community safety, crucial treatment, and stability, the HART Hubs will support vulnerable residents and help to meet their basic needs. Through this initiative, folks will have help finding shelter, and accessing transitional housing services and key supports around mental health, primary care, substance use, addiction, and more. We have always said that complex and overlapping challenges threatening growth and sustainability in our communities require bold, innovative, multi-partner solutions. I am grateful to see Windsor included to receive support through the $529 million the province has earmarked to establish 27 HART Hubs across Ontario. With this program providing funding quickly and efficiently to activate existing shelter beds, Windsor could see an immediate impact through community partners like Brentwood Recovery Home. Combined with recent Council investments to enhance and expand Windsor’s temporary Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4), the province is standing in lockstep with the City and community partners to provide investments in evidence-based prevention, outreach, addiction services; help end encampments; and provide wraparound services to help people rebuild their lives. With the support of the Premier and this provincial government, we are building a safer, healthier Windsor where no one is left behind."
- Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor
"Thank you to Premier Ford, Deputy Premier Jones, Associate Minister Tibollo and the entire provincial government for supporting the new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs across Ontario including one for the CMHA Peel Dufferin in Brampton. This announcement reinforces our shared commitment to prioritizing addiction treatment, mental health services and combatting homelessness. The well-being of our residents is top of mind and having the community resources in place supports those in need in Brampton and beyond."
- Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton
"It's been a long journey to today's Hub announcement, which will provide comprehensive services that are desperately needed in Sarnia Lambton. These services will enhance what is already available to help our vulnerable population, including those facing homelessness, addictions, and mental health issues. A collaborative community came together to support the hub, and together we are building a stronger, more resilient community where mental health, addictions, and recovery treatment are priorities for all. To quote Helen Keller, 'Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
- Mike Bradley, Mayor of Sarnia
"The Town of Smiths Falls and our local mental health service providers have been advocating for mental health and addictions supports for some time. Substance use and mental health disorders are significant public health challenges that often co-occur and require comprehensive, integrated treatment approaches. Access to effective substance use treatment and mental health supports is essential for individuals seeking to recover and lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Today’s funding announcement will provide much needed financial resources to enable people to get their lives back on track."
- Peter McKenna, Deputy Mayor of Smiths Falls
"A HART Hub location is a welcome addition to Lambton County. CMHA Lambton-Kent, together with Bluewater Health, the County of Lambton, and other community partners, are well equipped to provide a unique mix of supportive, wrap-around services that will meet the needs of our community. The Hub will provide fast access to these services and will add to those currently being provided by the County at the Housing and Homelessness Resource Centre. This safe and welcoming space will lead to positive, long-term results for both individuals seeking support and our community as a whole."
- Kevin Marriott, Warden, County of Lambton
"HART Hubs are an important investment in the continuum of mental health and addictions care and CMHA-led hubs in Belleville, Brampton, London, Sault Ste Marie and Lambton-Kent are committed, with their partners, to making the program a success."
- Camille Quenneville, CEO, CMHA Ontario
"The Sarnia Lambton Ontario Health Team partners, Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton Kent (CMHA Lambton Kent), the County of Lambton, Bluewater Health and the North Lambton Community Health Centre are extremely committed to working together, so that individuals will have access to safe and affordable supportive housing, and the necessary substance use treatment including additional transitional treatment beds and other necessary resources to care and connect with individuals at risk of, or who are homeless. This is an amazing investment, and one that will have an immediate impact on the mental health, addiction and housing crisis."
- Rhonny Doxtator, CEO, CMHA Lambton Kent
"Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) members have been instrumental in supporting the rapid development of Ontario’s HART Hubs, bringing their expertise and collaborative mindset to address the needs of their communities. The new HART Hubs will increase needed access to addictions and mental health treatment and supportive housing services throughout the province and enable the piloting of innovative approaches to service. AMHO will continue to work alongside our partners in government and community to ensure that every Ontarian is supported on their recovery journey, with access to the full continuum of mental health and addictions care they need, when and where they need it."
- Jennifer Holmes Weier, CEO, Addictions and Mental Health Ontario
Additional Resources:
Media Contacts:
Hannah Jensen
Minister Jones’ Office
hannah.r.jensen@ontario.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
media.moh@ontario.ca
|