Adrian Polidano

Ontario Celebrates Opening of New Children’s Treatment Centre in Ajax $85 million provincial investment in new facility connecting more children and youth to specialized care

Media Release – November 15, 2024

AJAX, ONT — The Ontario government is celebrating the opening of the new Grandview Kids Jerry Coughlan Building. The new fully accessible, state-of-the-art children’s treatment centre will serve more than 6,000 children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs in the Durham region.

The new centre was made possible through a provincial investment of more than $85.3 million, in addition to a federal grant through Infrastructure Canada, 5.06 acres of land donated by the Town of Ajax, as well as funding through Grandview’s community fundraising.

“Building a new state-of-the-art Children’s Treatment Centre for children and youth with special needs in Durham Region is one more way our government is ensuring families can connect to specialized services, no matter where they live,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “We are deeply grateful for the work of Grandview Kids Foundation Board of Directors and all the community advocates, organizations and local MPPs who have helped make this new facility a reality.”

The new Grandview Kids building consolidates the existing main site in Oshawa and multiple satellite locations under one roof. Some satellite locations will be maintained to reduce extensive travel times for some clients and their families. The new Grandview Kids site will begin to deliver services to clients in November.

The centre will house a team of professionals under one roof and will be a centre of excellence in paediatric care that provides:

Rehabilitation services, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology, recreation therapy, audiology, infant hearing, blind-low vision, and social work
Services offered under the Ontario Autism Program
A preschool outreach program
Rehabilitation services at schools
The Extensive Needs Service, which connects families to a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, including physicians, social workers and behavioural consultants to provide tailored supports based on the individual needs of the child or youth and their families
The Grandview School, where educators and therapists work together to meet the unique needs of children.

“Grandview Kids has long-awaited the day we would open our new, state-of-the-art headquarters. After years of steadfast advocacy – campaigning for a new facility that could better respond to our community’s growing needs – we are proud to have achieved this monumental milestone,” said Tom McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, Grandview Kids. “We are grateful to our government partners for their ongoing support and investment in this project. The New Grandview Kids is a beacon of hope, excellence, belonging and discovery. This new space will enable Grandview Kids to enhance and expand existing services and introduce new ones, serving children and youth with communication, physical and developmental needs throughout the Durham Region for generations to come.”

The construction of Grandview Kids builds on nearly $600 million in recent investments to modernize children’s treatment centres across Ontario, including planning for the new Lansdowne Children’s Centre in Brantford, the construction of a new Children’s Treatment Centre in Chatham-Kent, the construction of CHEO’s Children’s Treatment Centre in Ottawa and the successful relocation of Health Sciences North Children’s Treatment Centre in Sudbury.

Quick Facts

Grandview Kids provides services to more than 10,000 children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs each year, across its existing sites.
When children in Ontario begin school, almost 30 per cent have at least one developmental vulnerability which could affect their lifelong health, learning and behaviour.
Needs can include, but are not limited to, communication disorders, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries and chronic and/or long-term medical conditions. They can include specific diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, autism spectrum disorder and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Families with questions about their child’s development and support needs can contact their local Children’s Treatment Centre.

Quotes

“The new Grandview Kids Centre is not just a building; it is a testament to the dedication and dreams for so many who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality. This space will be central to many families throughout Pickering-Uxbridge, and all of Durham Region.”

Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy
MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge

“Our government is pleased to see the Grandview Kids Treatment Centre open its doors to children and families in Durham Region. This is a crucial resource that will help ensure young people receive the supports and services they need to reach their full potential. The treatment centre is part of our government’s investment of more than $191 billion over the next decade to renew and expand critical infrastructure that improves people’s quality of life, supports vibrant communities and fosters economic growth.”

Kinga Surma
Minister of Infrastructure

“The new Grandview Kids treatment centre will be a vital resource for families in Durham Region, providing essential care and specialized services right in our community. With this facility, children and youth with unique needs will have access to the support they deserve, closer to home and with fewer barriers for families.”

Minister Todd McCarthy
MPP for Durham

“I am excited to see the completion of the Grandview Kids Jerry Coughlan Building. This state-of-the-art treatment centre will provide specialized services to children and youth with unique needs in Ajax and the Durham Region, ensuring they have the right supports they need. This project exemplifies our government’s commitment to supporting the diverse needs of children and youth in Ajax and across the Durham Region.”

Patrice Barnes
MPP for Ajax

“Today, we celebrated an incredible milestone for families in Durham Region with the opening of the new Grandview Kids Jerry Coughlan Building. Back in 2021, I had the privilege of announcing the new building, and today we are seeing our Government’s fulfillment of that commitment. My advocacy for this project started in 2017 while in opposition and after 15 years of inaction by the previous Government, I am so pleased to see that the state-of-the-art, fully accessible children’s treatment centre is now complete, and will provide vital support and specialized services to over 6,000 children and youth from the Region of Durham.”

Lorne Coe
MPP for Whitby

“I am honoured to join in celebrating the completion of the new Grandview Kids Children’s Treatment Centre. This new centre will provide a welcoming, supportive and accessible space for families to access vital resources and services. Investing in infrastructure, including this centre, helps children to learn, thrive and get the support and personalized care that they need.”

The Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Ajax, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Additional Resources

Learn about the services and supports available at your local children’s treatment centre.

Media Contact

Avori Cheyne
Chief Communications Officer | Executive Lead, Strategic Communications, Partnerships, Engagement
Grandview Kids
avori.cheyne@grandviewkids.ca

This November, we recognize Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) and reflect on the unique experiences and contributions of Indigenous people with disabilities. IDAM was established by Indigenous Disability Canada and the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) in 2015. IDAM is dedicated to raising awareness of the social, economic and cultural contributions that Indigenous persons with disabilities bring to their communities while also highlighting the unique challenges they face.

Over 30 percent of Indigenous Canadians aged 15 and over experience some form of disability, a rate higher than the general Canadian population. This reality underscores the urgent need for inclusive services that address both disability and the additional barriers Indigenous persons face—such as systemic discrimination, lack of childcare, transportation and challenges in accessing culturally appropriate support. These barriers are rooted in the social determinants of health. They are further compounded by a history of colonial violence, which has led to complex, intersectional challenges impacting mental and physical health.

For details on supporting IDAM or further information on the awareness month, please visit https://www.bcands.bc.ca/.

Remembrance Day, observed on November 11, is a solemn occasion dedicated to honouring the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces who fought in wars and conflicts around the world. Originally established to mark the end of World War I in 1918, the day serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and courage of those who served, particularly in the face of the devastating impacts of warfare. Ceremonies often include moments of silence at 11 a.m., symbolizing the moment the armistice was signed and the wearing of poppies, inspired by the famous war poem “In Flanders Fields.”

Beyond its historical roots, Remembrance Day fosters reflection on the broader themes of peace and reconciliation. It encourages societies to consider the costs of conflict and the importance of working toward a more peaceful future. Communities gather in various ways—from formal ceremonies at war memorials to personal reflections at home—emphasizing a collective commitment to remember and honour those who served. The day serves as a tribute to veterans and a call to uphold the values of freedom and peace that they fought to protect.

Here in the Durham Region, we have a wide range of different events that take place throughout the region. This includes but is not limited to the Oshawa Remembrance Day Parade and Convoy of Remembrance, the Ajax Remembrance Day Ceremony, and the Intrepid Park (Camp X) Canadian Forces Ceremony.

World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by IDF and the World Health Organization as a response to the escalating threat posed by diabetes. While 1 in 10 adults have diabetes, many are still undiagnosed, and there is a growing number of children diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. Normally, sugar comes from carbohydrates needed to fuel the body’s cells. When the pancreas does not develop enough insulin, or any at all, too much blood sugar stays in the bloodstream.

Serious health problems such as heart disease, nerve damage and eye issues can occur if lifestyle changes are not made and/or medication taken. There are multiple types of diabetes, but the most common are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 or juvenile diabetes is often genetic, and the rate of diagnosis is lower. Type 2, or adult-onset diabetes, can sometimes be prevented by adopting or maintaining healthy lifestyle choices. We wear blue for World Diabetes Day!

Andrea B., Family Engagement Program Manager, shares her experience of living with diabetes and the way it has shaped her resiliency and advocacy.

“I was only seven years old when doctors told me I had type 1 diabetes and would need to give myself needles – multiple times a day – just to stay alive. At that moment, I was so sick that I would have done anything to feel better. As the weeks wore on and I started to feel better, there were moments when life seemed unfair. I was diagnosed in October and remember how tough Halloween felt that year. All my friends raced home to eat candy, and I came home and gave mine to my brother.

Allowing me to return to school after my diagnosis must have been hard for my mom. She had just learned how to be my pancreas. It was hard enough when I was at home, balancing my food, exercise and medication. She had a lot of sleepless nights checking my sugar just to make sure I would wake up in the morning. One of the first things my mom did was look for a parent support group. Not finding one locally, she created one and started working for the Canadian Diabetes Association! Within a few years, she had developed a youth group as well. I guess family support and engagement runs in my genes!

Technology wasn’t what it is today. It was 6-10 finger pokes a day to test my blood sugar and strict medication dosing. I was a pretty independent kid, though. I did not want anything to stop me. In fact, when the nurses wanted me to practice giving myself a needle using an orange, I refused and made them teach me to do it on myself right away! That fierce independence has served me well over the years. I had to learn to advocate for myself when offered treats I could not have or when my blood sugar felt too high or too low, and I needed to go to the office for a shot or a snack. I wish I could tell that little girl how amazing technology is now. No more finger pokes since my phone tracks my blood sugar in real time. My insulin pump is my new pancreas and allows me to eat what I want and be active (or not!) and still stay in control. Despite the difficult road I’ve tread, I can now demonstrate the importance of resiliency and advocacy to my own children.”

World Prematurity Day is a day to raise awareness of premature births and an opportunity to work with partners around the world to prevent it. The average pregnancy lasts 37 to 42 weeks, marking 37 weeks of pregnancy as reaching full-term and births before 37 weeks are considered preterm. Nearly 8% of all Canadian babies are born prematurely. Preterm babies have smaller body lengths, lower birth weights and are at risk for increased health and developmental challenges.

The likelihood of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay is high, and the duration of the stay will depend on the length of the pregnancy and the health of the baby. Many of these preterm babies will go on to have physical, communication and developmental needs. There is also a huge need for support for parents of preterm babies who will experience the difficulties of NICU life and the possibilities of navigating new medical diagnoses, posing a risk for both short-term and long-term mental health challenges. On World Prematurity Day, we wear purple to show our support.

Client Story:

Connor in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

“Connor was born 13 weeks premature at 27 weeks gestation, weighing only 2.7lbs and began his journey in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The very first few days were scary as doctors were uncertain if he would survive the first 48 hours. His lungs were so underdeveloped he was placed on an oscillator jet to help him breathe over the next couple of weeks. During this time, we were not able to hold Connor and physical contact was kept to a minimum because of how sensitive his skin was. During this time, doctors were keeping a close eye on his head circumference as the size of his head was growing at a faster rate than it should have been.

After many head ultrasounds, it was discovered that Connor had suffered bilateral grade 3 and 4 brain bleeds resulting in Hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid occurs within the brain. This typically causes increased pressure inside the skull. It was determined that Connor would need surgery to place a VP shunt to help with the draining of the fluid buildup. At this time, there was a major concern he was still too little and weak to undergo such a surgery, so doctors decided to wait and continue to monitor his head circumference on a week-to-week basis until he was both strong and big enough to undergo the surgery.

A month after birth, Connor was transferred to Sick Kids Hospital to undergo surgery to place a VP shunt, but before they could perform surgery, he became extremely ill. Connor had developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), an infection which can be deadly for premature babies. Luckily, it was caught quickly and only needed to be treated with medication. At 34 weeks gestation, Connor had his surgery and VP shunt placed. After 120 days in the NICU, he was able to come home.

Due to Connor’s prematurity, he was placed on a waiting list for early intervention. When Connor was only eight months old, he started physiotherapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) at Grandview Kids with two amazing therapists! At 12 months, he was diagnosed with right-sided Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy. When it came to hitting his milestones, he was a little behind, but he ended up meeting them in time and with hard work. He wore ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs), received Botox injections to weaken the spastic muscles and had many hours of PT and OT. In 2021, Connor had Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery to remove the spasticity from his legs. Connor is a smart, funny and strong warrior who is now nine years old and loves Elvis, Marvel, Star Wars and video games. He accomplishes anything he puts his mind to; he doesn’t let anything get in the way of what he wants!”

People around the world recognize the important role volunteers play in many areas of life. But volunteers don’t work alone. That’s why we celebrate International Volunteer Managers Day every year on November 5.

Here is what Grandview Kids’ Volunteer Coordinator, Tara, shares when asked what leading the Volunteer Program at Grandview Kids means to her

“I am honoured to be part of the Volunteer Program at Grandview Kids. As a coordinator of volunteers, I enjoy meeting and ultimately introducing a diverse array of dynamic, talented, and caring people within our community to our organization. When interviewing potential volunteers, it is no surprise to hear the most common response for wanting to volunteer is the desire to give back to the community.

As we look to the future, it is exciting to grow and develop our program. Our volunteers can be seen as the “Director of First Impressions” when clients/families enter our Centre, or they may be in the background assisting with various programs, offering their support to our clinical team. Some offer their enthusiasm and expertise by participating in community events and on committees, and others are very happy to serve up freshly baked goods (and a smile) in our volunteer-run Café.“

This year’s International Volunteer Managers Day theme is “What’s our future normal?” Visit volunteermanagersday.org to learn more.

Did you know?

Grandview Kids is actively recruiting volunteers to support us at our new Ajax-based headquarters and Oshawa-Dwyer site starting this fall.

If you or someone you know is interested in our available opportunities and would like to apply, please visit our blog to learn more.