A parcel of land donated by the Town of Ajax on Harwood Avenue North has officially been marked the future site of the new Grandview Children’s Centre headquarters.
The official sign unveiling took place on November 3 with Ajax Council, local MPPs and Grandview staff and families on hand.
“There is so much excitement about a sign,” explained Grandview Children’s Centre CEO Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann. “This sign is more than just an indicator of where the future centre will be built. It marks a monumental milestone on our long-awaited journey to create a new Grandview.”
Grandview’s main facility in Oshawa was built in 1983 to serve just 400 children. It now serves more than 6,000 children and youth with special needs annually in Durham Region and there are 3,000 more on a wait-list.
“Ajax Council is proud to be a partner in bringing a new Grandview Children’s Centre to Ajax. Recognizing the growing need for vital Grandview services, the Town donated a five-acre parcel of land for the new facility in 2015. We are excited to celebrate the next step in this process, and look forward to having a new Grandview in Ajax,” said Mayor Parish.
Grandview Children’s Centre received approval and $31 million in funding from the Province in May to build the new headquarters.
“After 12 years of hard work advocating on behalf of our Grandview Children’s Centre, we have taken another step forward with the sign reveal this morning,” said Ajax-Pickering MPP, Joe Dickson. “I look forward to the sod turning, and the day we cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility right here in Ajax.”
Grandview is working alongside the Province to complete the final architectural design, construction plan, budget and timelines.
The new Grandview is expected to cost $50 million. Grandview Children’s Foundation is embarking on the Believe capital campaign to raise the funds still needed to build the new headquarters and support the specialized programs and services offered by Grandview.
“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and dream big. With the community’s help, we know we can help Grandview Kids achieve them,” said Grandview Children’s Foundation Executive Director of Development. Brigitte Tschinkel.
To donate to the Grandview Kids Believe campaign go to https://grandviewkidsfoundation.ca/capital-campaign/
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