Construction is now underway for a new ErinoakKids children’s treatment centre in Mississauga, which, when completed in spring 2017, will offer an array of services for children with special needs.

With $163 million in funds from the Ontario government, the Mississauga facility is one of three ErinoakKids sites being built to replace 11 outdated facilities in Halton, Dufferin and Peel regions. Overall, the project marks the first multi-site construction of its kind in the province.

Tracy MacCharles, minister of children and youth services, said convenient access to programs and services will have a “profound impact” on children and families.

Once the other centres rise in Oakville and Brampton, about 15,000 children and youth with physical, developmental and communication disorders, as well as those with autism, hearing and vision impairment, will benefit from much needed amenities.

Some key features of the $52-million, 103,000-square-foot Mississauga facility will include a fully accessible playground for recreation therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, two gyms, 17 treatment rooms and two therapeutic playrooms.

A resource centre for staff and families, an audiology area for hearing aid fitting and dispensing, a serenity garden and a drop-in centre for youth are also in the plans.

“Now, more than ever before, children and youth will have access to a range of services in a single location, resulting in better coordinated supports and services that will truly enable our clients to prosper and lead healthy, independent lives,” said Bridget Fewtrell, president and chief executive officer of ErinoakKids.