Whitby HART Hub Expands Addiction Recovery and Mental Health Services in Durham Region
The hub is part of the province’s nearly $550 million investment to establish 28 HART Hubs across Ontario, designed to improve access to recovery-focused care for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges and mental health issues.
Provincial officials say the initiative is intended to strengthen community safety while ensuring people facing housing instability and addiction can access treatment and recovery services in a coordinated system.
Province Expanding Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Services
According to the Ontario Ministry of Health, HART Hubs are designed to provide integrated, wraparound care, connecting individuals with a range of services including primary health care, mental health treatment, addictions support and social services.
“We are building a stronger, more connected system of mental health and addictions care that better reflects the needs of communities and focuses on lasting recovery,” said Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Vijay Thanigasalam.
“The opening of this new HART Hub will ensure that people struggling with mental health and addictions challenges in Durham Region can access support services that prioritizes their path to recovery and strengthen community safety.”
The Whitby HART Hub is being delivered in partnership with the Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC), which will serve as the lead agency coordinating services with community organizations and health partners.
Ontario has opened a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Whitby to improve access to recovery and treatment services for individuals and families facing #MentalHealth and substance use challenges.https://t.co/DnYnPR1JP1 pic.twitter.com/6vDQGSOAKS
— Ontario Ministry of Health (@ONThealth) March 13, 2026
Services Focused on Recovery and Housing Stability
The new hub will provide a range of services tailored to local needs, including:
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Mental health and addiction support
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Primary health care
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System navigation to connect people with social supports
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Health promotion programs
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Peer support services
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Case management
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Transitional housing assistance
Officials say the model is designed to bring together clinical care providers, community organizations and social service agencies to deliver coordinated treatment and recovery services.
The Whitby hub is currently operating through an interim service location at the Durham Community Health Centre’s Oshawa site, while planning continues for a permanent Whitby location expected to open during the 2026–27 period.
Durham Region to Receive Multiple HART Hubs
The province says Durham Region will ultimately have two HART Hubs, with a second location expected to open in Oshawa in spring 2026 in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham.
In the coming years, services connected to the hubs will expand to include:
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Mobile outreach programs offering basic-needs and primary care services
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Addiction outreach and group programming
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24-hour supportive recovery beds
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Supportive housing and mental health consultation services
The provincial government has also stated that HART Hubs will add nearly 900 supportive housing units across Ontario, more than originally planned.
Community Leaders Highlight Regional Impact
Local leaders say the Whitby hub will help improve access to treatment and recovery services across Durham Region.
“The Whitby Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub will be a cornerstone of support for those struggling with mental health and addiction challenges,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe.
“By focusing on treatment and recovery, this Hub will help residents regain control of their lives while ensuring our community remains supported.”
Durham Regional Chair and CEO John Henry also emphasized the collaborative approach behind the initiative.
“Through our partnership with Durham Community Health Centre and our many community partners, we are bringing co-ordinated, wraparound supports to people who need them most,” Henry said.
Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy said the program highlights the importance of collaboration between government, healthcare providers and community organizations.
“Addressing homelessness, mental health and addiction requires a strong network of supports,” Roy said.
Province Expanding Mental Health Investments
The launch of the Whitby hub builds on Ontario’s broader mental health and addiction strategy, including the Roadmap to Wellness, a 10-year plan supported by a $3.8 billion provincial investment.
The province has also committed $303 million over three years through Budget 2025 to support community-led mental health programs across Ontario.
Officials say HART Hubs are designed to prioritize treatment and recovery services, and will not offer safer supply programs, supervised drug consumption sites or needle exchange programs.
As additional hubs open across the province, the government says the goal is to build a coordinated network of care that helps people move from crisis toward recovery and stable housing.
For more GTA health policy coverage and provincial updates, follow GTA Weekly.
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