MAPLE, ON — Young people in York Region now have a new dedicated space to access mental health, addictions, and community services with the official opening of the Maple Youth Wellness Hub, part of Ontario’s growing network of supports for youth aged 12 to 25.
The hub is one of 10 new sites being added across Ontario, expanding the total to 32 Youth Wellness Hubs. The spaces are designed to provide free, walk-in access to a wide range of supports, including mental health and substance use care, primary health services, peer mentorship, and social programming.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said the expansion reflects Ontario’s ongoing commitment to building a connected system of care. “As part of our record investments to expand Youth Wellness Hubs across Ontario and supporting communities with the care they need, the opening of the Maple Youth Wellness Hub ensures young people have access to high-quality mental health and addictions services, closer to home, in a space designed just for them.”
The Maple hub was co-designed by York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families in collaboration with local youth, families, and service providers such as 360°kids, CMHA York Region, and Addiction Services for York Region. This approach ensured the facility reflects the needs of local communities while creating an inclusive, youth-driven environment.
We opened the new Maple Youth Wellness Hub, that will make it easier for young people aged 12 to 25 in Vaughan and across York region to access mental health supports.#MentalHealth is #Health #YouthWellnessHub
👉 https://t.co/VtH0oOKJSN pic.twitter.com/PfaCDEDcVZ
— Vijay Thanigasalam (@TheThanigasalam) September 29, 2025
A Hub Designed for Youth, by Youth
Beyond mental health and addictions care, the Maple Youth Wellness Hub offers support for newcomers, employment services, housing navigation, and connections to recreational and community programs. Officials emphasized that hubs are intentionally welcoming and designed in partnership with youth to remove barriers and create safe, stigma-free environments.
Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, highlighted the value of this model: “By expanding this network, we’re strengthening Ontario’s mental health and addictions system and making it easier for youth to get convenient, integrated care in a safe, welcoming space that meets their needs.”
Local MPPs also welcomed the announcement. Thornhill MPP Laura Smith called the hub a vital resource for families across York Region, while Vaughan—Woodbridge MPP Michael Tibollo noted that the addition builds on the proven success of hubs across the province.
Fast Facts: Ontario’s Youth Wellness Hubs
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Nearly 73,000 youth and families accessed Youth Wellness Hubs between August 2019 and March 2025, resulting in more than 367,000 visits.
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In the last year alone, over 27,000 youth made more than 134,000 visits to hubs provincewide.
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Ontario is investing $8.3 million over three years to open 10 new hubs in communities including Port Hope, Thunder Bay, Oxford County, Vaughan, Brampton, Akwesasne, Bancroft, Cambridge, Dufferin County, and Durham/Ajax.
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The Maple hub is part of the government’s Roadmap to Wellness strategy, a $3.8 billion plan over 10 years to fill gaps in mental health and addictions care across Ontario.
Carole-Anne Chiasson, Executive Director of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, credited community partners and youth voices for making the Maple location possible: “Together, we are creating better opportunities and brighter futures with youth across Ontario.”
A Youth-Centered Future for Vaughan
For hub manager Nina Singh, the Maple opening represents more than a facility—it reflects youth empowerment in action. “Every step has been driven by a deep commitment to youth wellness,” Singh said, noting the hub’s youth advisory council played a key role in shaping its design and services.
The Maple Youth Wellness Hub is now open, providing youth across Vaughan and York Region with free, integrated, and accessible care—all under one roof.
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