WHEREAS the Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Nipissing and Parry Sound has repurposed an old school into Elmwood, a redeveloped community hub located at 140 Elmwood Avenue, providing accessible programs and services that foster resilience in local families and at-risk youth;
AND WHEREAS Elmwood is designed to enhance positivity, support collaboration, and facilitate growth and success for local partners, families, and youth;
AND WHEREAS this multi-use hub unites essential services—including health, education, safety, mental health, and early intervention—under one roof, strengthening community resources for Northern Ontario residents and partner organizations;
AND WHEREAS Elmwood’s continued growth and redevelopment are poised to expand its impact on the North Bay area, delivering additional programs and services to benefit the community;
AND WHEREAS Elmwood has applied for operational funding to join Ontario’s network of 27 Youth Wellness Hubs, which provide high-quality, integrated services to support youth well-being, addressing mental health, substance use, primary care, and social supports for ages 12 to 25;
AND WHEREAS the designation of Elmwood as a Youth Wellness Hub (pending) and the development of a Clinical and Social Services Wing will strengthen Family Natural Supports (FNS) to prevent addiction and homelessness through:
- Youth programming five nights a week focused on independence skills, cultural inclusion, arts, fitness, mentorship, and social connection;
- Access to free fitness facilities, showers, and resources addressing food and clothing insecurity;
- Clinical support through a nurse practitioner and addition of child psychiatrist, psychologist, and mental health and addiction professionals,
- Mental health programming in collaboration with children’s mental health partner;
- Drug prevention education and strategies for young audiences;
AND WHEREAS North Bay Regional Health Centre has committed to on-site clinical services, including youth psychiatry, substance use and eating disorder clinical services/programming.
AND WHEREAS this investment in upstream addiction and homelessness prevention will support wellness for youth and at-risk populations;
AND WHEREAS Elmwood has launched a capital campaign to raise $2.2 million;
AND WHEREAS Elmwood is in Phase 2 of applying for a $1 million NOHFC Community Enhancement grant, with the remainder to be raised through fundraising;
AND WHEREAS the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Nipissing and Parry Sound is requesting a one-time capital contribution of $200,000 from the City of North Bay to support this essential service, which aligns with long-term operational funding plans;
AND WHEREAS this request meets the City’s criteria under the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Revenue Policy;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of North Bay contribute $200,000 from its Ontario Lottery & Gaming revenue toward Elmwood’s capital fundraising campaign for the Clinical and Social Services Wing. This facility will be integrated into and enhance the existing programs and services at Elmwood, benefiting North Bay’s youth and families.
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that an agreement be entered into with terms and conditions to the satisfaction of the Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer and City Solicitor between the Children's Aid Society of the District of Nipissing and Parry Sound for the Elmwood Hub and the City of North Bay.