York Region is providing $5 million to help the Canadian Mental Health Association build a new hub in Newmarket.
Council confirmed the capital grant Dec. 5, as CMHA York-Simcoe prepares to construct the new mental health and addictions facility at 17255 Yonge St. in Newmarket. With provincial approvals in place, the organization anticipates opening the facility in 2026.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said although it will be built in Newmarket, it will support the entire region.
“When you talk about homelessness or youth mental health, this is a massive step forward,” Taylor said.”This is something that, I think, virtually every community in Ontario will be looking to, and wishing to, replicate.”
The new facility promises to offer a centralized place where people can access mental health and addiction services in one place, including for those experiencing a crisis.
York Region is helping to fund the project by drawing from reserves. Council tentatively granted the funding in June 2023, but with provincial approvals formally confirmed, they approved the funding today.
“Residents from all nine local municipalities will benefit from improved access to mental health and addictions services,” the staff report said. “The hub will fill a current gap in mental health services by providing residents with more timely access to dedicated mental health and addiction supports, and divert demand from local hospitals to free up resources for other needs.”
Some Newmarket residents expressed concern about the impact the hub could have locally during a September council meeting. But CMHA representatives have responded they are committed to working with the neighbourhood.
Taylor expressed appreciation to CMHA York-Simcoe CEO Rebecca Shields.
"Thank you for your amazing contributions to this community," Taylor said, adding that it will be a legacy that will "live on for decades."
