Construction to begin soon on new children’s treatment centre

With a general contractor now in place, construction is scheduled to begin in several weeks for the new Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent.

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Norlon Builders London Ltd. has been awarded the project, treatment centre officials stated in a release Monday afternoon.

“We are thrilled that the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services committed to funding to build the 58,000-square-foot facility that will enable children in our community to thrive and succeed,” Donna Litwin-Makey, chief executive, said.

“This kind of commitment is unique for the ministry, and we are highly appreciative of this special support.”

The building committee and board of directors underwent an “open, fair and competitive process” with the support of Colliers Project Management to award the contract, the release added.

A celebratory ground-breaking will take place later this summer, with children and their families invited to attend.

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“The Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent is applauded 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 by the general contractor will now allow the foundation to move forward to finalize the local financial commitment.”

Minister Michael Parsa congratulated the centre on the milestone.

“We are proud to partner with the community on this project that will help families receive the support they need closer to home,” he said.

“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.”

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Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. involved CTC-CK staff and stakeholders in the design of the new centre, allowing for the growth of specialized programs and increased access.

“We are honoured to be granted this important contract,” Jeremy Valeriote, of Norlon Builders London Ltd., said. “We realize how important this new facility is to the Chatham-Kent community and are proud to be part of it.”

Mike Genge, foundation president, said fundraising continues.

Future activities are in the works, he said.

“In October, we are planning two weeks of exciting community events that will help us reach our final goal,” he said. “We’re so close. I believe we can do it.”

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