The federal and Ontario governments are working together to rebuild the North York Women’s Shelter. The province has committed up to $3 million for the project, while the federal government is contributing up to $5.8 million. The new shelter will replace the current aging building that has been serving women who are survivors of domestic violence and their children since 1984.

North York Women’s Shelter has provided help to an average of 127 women and children each year over the past three years. The new facility will provide women and children with multiple services in one location. It will offer more private and quiet space, housing, counselling and administrative services as well as legal, mental health and harm reduction supports. It will also feature fully accessible rooms.

“For women who have experienced violence, a shelter is often the first step to rebuilding their lives,” said Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services, in a press release. “This investment in North York Women’s Shelter is another example that illustrates the Ontario government’s commitment to investing in services that help women and their children that have experienced domestic violence.”

“In the last 33 years, NYWS has provided a place of safety and support for over 11,000 women and children,” added Mohini Datta-Ray, executive director of the North York Women’s Shelter. “As our understanding of violence against women continues to evolve, we recognize that our response as both an organization and a society must become more complex, evidence-based and holistic. This significant investment means that this critical dream can be reality.”