Ontario hopes to preserve local community services for families in Etobicoke and North York, including autism supports and licensed child care, by proposing to acquire two facilities from the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) that would be maintained as community hubs.

The province is seeking to acquire the facilities from the TDSB through a land exchange. In exchange for the two schools, the TDSB would receive provincially-owned property in the West Don Lands of a comparable value for a future school site.

The proposed investment would allow the support services currently offered at McNicoll Public School in North York and Silver Creek Public School in Etobicoke to continue to be available for local families.

Both schools offer supports for children’s mental health and autism, as well as licensed child care space. McNicoll Public School also offers a support program for young children and families, while Silver Creek Public School offers specialized care for children with special needs.

“Silver Creek and McNicoll Public Schools are places where families come together to access important services,” said Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services, in a press release. “Purchasing both sites will allow these agencies to continue being hubs for children’s services, providing high-quality mental health and autism supports to the communities they serve.”