The Ford government has announced $3.8 million in provincial funding to support the renovation and expansion of Gillian’s Place shelter in St. Catharines.
The province’s capital investment will contribute to the completion of the Marotta Family Centre, which will provide a new dedicated space for things like community outreach services and administrative work. Outreach services include counselling, legal assistance, transitional and aftercare support and violence prevention and community education programs.
The expansion is expected to also create room for six new emergency shelter beds.
“This investment in the expansion of Gillian’s Place will help strengthen community-based services in Niagara so more survivors of gender-based violence can receive the support they need to heal,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. “The Marotta Family Centre for Violence Prevention and Outreach Support will provide more beds and bring more services under the same roof, making it easier for survivors to access services and supports.”
Nicole Regehr, Executive Director of Gillian’s Place, released a statement regarding the announcement of provincial funding as well.
“We are tremendously thankful for the support of the Ontario government,” said Regehr. “This investment is a testament to the shared vision to create services and spaces where all survivors are treated with trust, dignity and compassion.”
Gillian’s Place’s story first began in 1977, when a small number of staff and volunteers opened Niagara’s first dedicated space for abused women and children as an eight-bed shelter. The facility expanded in 1983 and again in the 2000s. It was given the name Gillian’s Place in 2007 to honour former executive director Gillian Dooley, who led the organization from 1980 to 2007.
“Investing in community-based service providers to deliver local supports is part of our government’s four-year action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence,” said Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Charmaine Williams. “By providing a safe and caring environment, Gillian’s Place is empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and achieve stability for themselves and their families.”
“Gender-based violence has no place in Ontario, which is why we will continue to work with community partners to strengthen local services, support survivors and put an end to this heinous crime,” added Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
