INNISFIL, ON — A major step toward revolutionizing mental health care in York Region was made this month as the Innisfil Community Foundation donated $25,000 to support the creation of the York Region Mental Health Community Care Centre, a 24/7 facility set to open in Newmarket in 2026.
The funding, awarded to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) York Region and South Simcoe branch, will help support a comprehensive “one-stop shop” for individuals aged 12 and up in need of mental health and addiction services — offering both crisis intervention and long-term recovery supports. The centre will feature:
24-hour access to care
- A team of professionals including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and peer support staff
- 20 short-stay beds for individuals aged 16 and older
- Treatment for approximately 11,000 people annually
Catherine Matzig, CMHA’s senior director of philanthropy, expressed deep gratitude during the cheque presentation at Innisfil Town Hall. “Anybody and everybody in our community who needs mental-health support, who doesn’t need to go to the hospital, can come through the doors… Our goal is to make someone’s first mental health-care crisis their last.”
She praised the foundation’s contribution as instrumental in helping to divert individuals from overwhelmed emergency departments and emphasized the community-wide benefit of accessible care.
Foundation chair Sandra Rizzardo called the centre “a lifeline,” adding, “By funding this project, we are investing in the well-being of our community… Together, we are building a future where mental-health care is accessible, effective and transformative for all.”
The centre will be built through collaboration between CMHA and more than 20 community partners, including police services, hospitals, schools, and culturally focused organizations. This approach will help combat the long-standing challenge of a fragmented mental health system by offering coordinated, compassionate care under one roof.
Rebecca Shields, CMHA branch CEO, emphasized that such partnerships are essential. “Together, we will build more comprehensive and connected mental-health services… supporting the clients’ next step in recovery.”
In recognition of the donation, the foundation will have a room at the new centre named in its honour — a visible and lasting testament to Innisfil’s support for regional mental health initiatives.
Established in 2019, the Innisfil Community Foundation funds local causes through donations, municipal support, and proceeds from the Mayor’s Golf Tournament. Executive director Whitney Sallach said this particular grant was a clear choice. “Keeping people out of hospitals, in whatever way we can, is always a great benefit for everyone. Mental-health care is top of mind for us.”
The CMHA York Region and South Simcoe branch, which served more than 18,000 clients last year, is among the fastest growing in Canada, offering over 30 mental health and addiction programs.
Matzig concluded with a call to action for ongoing support. “We have a crisis in our country of a lack of accessible programs, services and co-ordinated care… Hopefully, this will be a first spot. It’s hard to know about [mental health services] until you need to know about them.”
