Ontario Investing over $210,000 in Repairs and Upgrades to Local Community Agencies in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke

Funding will help ensure families have access to high-quality programs.

NEWS September 17, 2026

PEMBROKE — The Ontario government is providing over $210,000 to support
essential upgrades and repairs at local community agencies in Renfrew County. This
funding is part of the government’s $25 million investment in critical infrastructure
repairs this year, helping ensure community agencies across the province can continue
delivering essential services to those who rely on them most.

“The Partner Facility Renewal Grant is providing over $210,000 to four local
organizations to make important repairs and improvements to their facilities. From
accessibility upgrades and renovations to roof repairs and other critical infrastructure
improvements, this funding will help ensure these organizations have safe and
functional spaces to continue delivering essential services in our communities. I am
proud to see our government supporting the important work being done across
Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke.” – Billy Denault, MPP, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke

Funding from the Partner Facility Renewal program supports a range of organizations,
including shelters for women and children who have experienced or may be at risk of
violence, residences that offer day-to-day support for individuals with developmental
disabilities, facilities serving survivors of human trafficking, organizations dedicated to
supporting Indigenous communities, and centres that provide services for children and
youth with special needs.

The $25 million investment will support community agencies across the province in
carrying out critical repairs and upgrades, including improvements to roofing and air
conditioning systems, enhanced security features, and accessibility retrofits to kitchens
and bathrooms.

In Renfrew County, funding is being provided to the following agencies:

Bernadette McCann House for Women Inc. – $19,300 to help Interior space
reconfiguration “Bernadette McCann House appreciates this governments approval of our Partner
Facility Renewal request, to enhance the safety of clients specifically accessing the
Shelter Program. This grant will provide additional security in our basement area, enabling those we
serve to safely access our donation area, without the additional worry of their children
being in harm’s way. A very sincere thank you from Bernadette McCann House for this
much needed renovation.” – Leigh Sweeney, Executive Director, Bernadette McCann House

Columbus House (Pembroke) Inc. – $6,900 to help Exterior stair and window repairs
“Columbus House is extremely grateful for the support provided through the Partner
Facility Renewal Grant. Thanks to this generous funding from MCCSS, we are able to
maintain, update, and improve our building, ensuring it remains a safe, welcoming, and
supportive environment for the youth of Renfrew County. This facility is home to three vital Columbus House programs: Out of Home Care, which provides essential support and stability to youth; Teen Compass, which focuses on alternative education, life skills, and social development; and Guest House, which
provides safe, immediate accommodation for youth experiencing a crisis and/or at risk
of homelessness. This grant plays an important role in helping us maintain a safe and well-functioning
facility where youth can access the support, education, and stability they need. We
sincerely appreciate MCCSS for investing in the well-being of young people in our
community and helping Columbus House continue this important work.” – Tina Belanger, Executive Director, Columbus House (Pembroke) Inc.

Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley – $87,300 to help Kitchen renovations, accessible washrooms, emergency exit installation, separation wall and ramp construction. “Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley continues to be able to provide supports and settings that promote dignity and respect through funding made available by the Government of Ontario. Inclusive communities include homes that make sense for and meet the needs of vulnerable citizens. The funds received through this grant will allow us to maintain homes that consider
accessibility, nurture opportunities, and encourage inclusion, supporting true citizenship. We thank the Honourable MPP Billy Denault and his team, for recognizing the needs of vulnerable citizens and championing inclusion throughout our communities.” – Tina Williams, Executive Director, Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley

Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County – $98,700 to help Roof replacement and repair “We are sincerely grateful to the Province of Ontario and MPP Denault for this generous support. This funding will allow us to complete essential roof repairs at our Isabella Street location and help ensure it remains a caring and welcoming space for the children, adults and families who access our many programs, services and supports
there every day. Our centre at 464 Isabella Street in Pembroke is home to Children’s Developmental Services, Children’s Community-Based Programs, Adult Developmental Services, EarlyON programs, Waka-Ehi Lodge, Kumon, and our Family Visitation and Exchange Program. Together, these programs support people at many different stages of life, making this an important community space for learning, play, connection, and support
for people and families across Renfrew County. We deeply appreciate the Province’s investment in the spaces where our community comes together and grows, and we thank MPP Denault for his continued support and
representation of our community’s needs.” – Jennifer White, Executive Director, Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County

“Community-based organizations are essential in helping people across Ontario access
reliable programs and services,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community
and Social Services. “Through these investments, our government is supporting
hundreds of agencies so they can continue providing children, youth and families with
the tools and support they need to succeed in their communities.”

QUICK FACTS
● This year as part of the Partner Facility Renewal Program the government is
investing a total of $25 million in 192 community agencies across the province.
● Community agencies deliver vital programs related to anti-human trafficking,
autism, child welfare, children’s mental health, developmental services, child
development, Indigenous health and wellness, interpreter and intervenor
services, violence against women, and youth justice services.
● Approximately 19,000 adults with developmental disabilities received supportive
living services in 2024-25.
● In 2024-25, more than 60,700 children and youth received community-based
rehabilitation services, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech-
language pathology.
● As well, almost 87,800 students received school-based rehabilitation services
from children’s treatment centres.
● In 2024-25, Ontario’s Violence Against Women (VAW) emergency women’s
shelters served approximately 12,500 individuals, including women and
dependents.

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Media Contact
For additional information, please contact:
Krystal Moreau, Constituency Assistant
Office of Billy Denault, MPP
613-735-6627
krystal.moreau@pc.ola.org