TIMMINS — As part of its plan to stay open, the Ontario government is investing over $10 million to build a new health care facility for the Centre de santé communautaire de Timmins (CSC Timmins). This new, dedicated site will bring together comprehensive health services under one roof to improve access to quality care for Francophone patients and families in Timmins and the surrounding area as the province continues to build a stronger, more resilient health system that is better able to respond to crisis.
“Supporting projects like the new facility for CSC Timmins is one more way we are building a stronger, more resilient health care system for all Ontarians, no matter where they live,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “With this investment, patients and families in Timmins will be able to access care that meets their unique needs for years to come, close to home.”
CSC Timmins currently provides programs and services such as primary health, mental health and addictions and chronic disease services in two temporary locations. This investment will enable the team to operate in one new, modern facility and expand services to include childhood education, physiotherapy and psychology services. This will improve patient experience, making it easier and more convenient for Franco-Ontarians to access high-quality care under one roof.
Once complete, the new CSC Timmins will accommodate about 18,000 visits and 20,000 group attendances for health care services each year. The facility will also mean medical students will be able to receive hands-on practical training onsite under the supervision of a family physician, building on the government’s commitment to invest in the doctors of tomorrow and bolster the province’s health workforce to provide care for growing and underserved communities.
“Ensuring that all Ontarians have equal access to healthcare is a top priority for this government,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “That’s why we are investing $10 million in a state-of-the-art community health centre that will cater to Timmins’ Francophone community. With this new facility, patients will be able to access a wide variety of health services under one roof—all in their language. Not only will the new facility make healthcare more accessible, but it will also help to improve patient outcomes.”
Ontario is working with CSC Timmins to progress through the next stage of the planning process, which includes designing the new facility, and assess how the project can further help address the health care needs of patients and residents in the region.
Quick Facts
- CSC Timmins serves Francophones in the Timmins and surrounding areas and focuses on patients with complex health needs without a primary care provider.
- As part of the government’s $760 million commitment in the 2021 Budget to support the continuation of over 3,100 hospital beds during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Timmins area received funding for up to 29 transitional beds at Timmins and District Hospital.
- To support growing demands on the health care system, Ontario’s investments over the next 10 years will lead to $30 billion in health infrastructure across the province. These investments will increase capacity in hospitals, build new health care facilities and renew existing hospitals and community health centres.
- As part of the government’s commitment to invest $90 million over three years through the new Addictions Recovery Fund announced on February 11, 2022, Ontario is investing nearly $2.3 million to expand access to a total of 15 new addictions treatment beds in Timmins, helping hundreds of Ontarians in Timmins and the surrounding region access specialized addictions treatment.
- Recognizing ongoing mental health needs, Ontario is also continuing to invest in internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, available in both French and English through self-referral, and Breaking Free Online, an innovative online therapy tool available in both English and French, making it faster and easier for Ontarians to access safe and effective addictions supports. To find the right mental health and addictions supports and get information about many confidential and free options, please visit Ontario.ca/MentalHealth.
Quotes
“Ontario’s vibrant and growing Francophone community deserves access to high-quality care in their preferred language of choice, and the Centre de santé communautaire de Timmins delivers that. With an array of French-language services offered under one roof, meaning that care is more convenient and accessible, our government is keeping its promise to make life easier for our Francophonie.”
– Caroline Mulroney
Minister of Francophone Affairs
“The francophones of Timmins and surrounding areas have long awaited this news. We are very relieved to know that francophones will be provided with equal health care services under one roof. Our board, myself included are truly grateful of the help that we’ve received from Mayor Pirie and the provincial government.”
– Michelle Stevens
Executive Director, Centre de santé communautaire de Timmins
“Today’s announcement by the Ontario government is truly uplifting for such a large and important segment of the Timmins population. This new and vital primary care health centre for our francophone citizens addresses a long-standing need. Francophone leaders in the community who have been championing this project for many years strongly encouraged me to make this one of my top priorities as mayor. And now, I am looking forward to the day when a ground-breaking ceremony will take place here in Timmins.”
– George Pirie
Mayor of Timmins
Source Province of Ontario
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