The Children's Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent (CTC-CK) has announced it will soon begin construction of its new facility in Chatham.
The CTC-CK reported on Monday afternoon that a groundbreaking ceremony will take place later this summer at the site of the new 58,000 square foot facility at McNaughton Avenue and Bear Line Road.
It was also announced on Monday that the project has been awarded to Norlon Builders London Ltd.
CTC-CK said children and families throughout the Chatham-Kent community are excited to hear that construction will begin soon.
"We are thrilled that the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services committed to funding to build the 58,000 sq. ft. facility that will allow children in our community to thrive and succeed," said CTC-CK CEO Donna Litwin-Makey. "This kind of commitment is unique for the Ministry, and we are highly appreciative of this special support."
Litwin-Makey previously said the new building should be complete by the end of 2025 and open by early 2026.
The CTC-CK noted its Building Committee and Board of Directors underwent an open, fair and competitive process with the support from Colliers Project Management to award the contract to Norlon Builders London Ltd.
They also said Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. involved CTC-CK staff and stakeholders in designing the new centre that "will work best for the children of our Chatham-Kent community, allowing for the growth of specialized programs and an increase in access to services."
“Congratulations to the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent on reaching this significant milestone,” said Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa. “We are proud to partner with the community on this project that will help families receive the support they need closer to home. This new and expanded centre will provide a safe and fully accessible space to deliver a range of specialized services for children with special needs.”
Norlon Builders London Ltd. said they are honoured to be granted this important contract.
“We realize how important this new facility is to the Chatham-Kent community and are proud to be part of it," said Jeremy Valeriote of Norlon Builders.
Litwin-Makey applauds the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent for their fundraising efforts in the community.
"Our Centre and Foundation greatly appreciate generous donors who show unwavering support for our children and families,” Litwin-Makey said. “The announcement of the General Contractor will now allow the Foundation to move forward to finalize the local financial commitment.”
CTC-CK Foundation President Mike Genge noted their fundraising efforts for the new building have been very successful, but have not yet reached the goal. Genge said plans are underway for two weeks of community events in October that will help them reach their final goal.
"We're so close! I believe we can do it!" said Genge.
The fundraising goal is $10 million.
The centre offers therapy and services to children with special needs, developmental delays, and disabilities.
Litwin-Makey noted waiting lists could be several months, depending on the service needed, adding the centre currently serves between 5,000 and 6,000 children and the new centre will be able to accept more.
The new Children's Treatment Centre will feature a range of essential amenities, including a dedicated gym, therapy rooms, and an updated pool that will be accessible to both clients and the wider community.