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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, February 12, 2010 · 8 Province helps special needs agencies n By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF The Government of Ontario has made a $1.5-million infrastructure investment to three not-for-profit agencies that serve local people with special needs. The grant money is being distributed between Community Living Oakville, Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS) and Christian Horizons. RIZIERO VERTOLLI / OAKVILLE BEAVER Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn was present at the HELPING SOCIAL SERVICES: Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn (centre, in suit) visits Community Community Living Oakville office Wednesday, Living Oakville after the provincial government announced its $1.5-million infrastructure investment where he and the provincial government were to not-for-profit social service agencies in town. thanked by representatives from all three agencies for the funding. "Often we ignore infrastructure," Flynn said OPEN HOUSE DATE: of the government's grants. "I think a lot of govth h ernments in the past have been guilty of that. They've often opted to invest money in things people can see and they didn't know the imporJoin us fr from tance in investing in the infrastructure of these from 7:30 ­ 8:30 pm buildings." for a short presentation The money will help pay for things such as followed follo ed by a tour creating additional residential units and refurof our wonderful school. bishing existing ones, installing wheelchair ramps at locations that don't already have them and installing sprinkler systems. "It's not just with bleeding hearts that we are We W offer full-time and part-time JK & SK and grades 1-8 doing good things for these people but we're also doing it in a very responsible way, financially and conservatively as well," Flynn added. "We Oakville, Ontario L6J 7T1 invest this money to maintain the structures February 16 905-829-8048 knowing that we won't have to build a new structure in the future. And also this will address some of the safety issues in group homes as well with things such as the fire sprinklers." For Community Living Oakville, this money will install sprinkler systems in 10 of its 12 group homes, as well as build wheelchair ramps in homes currently without them. "We can increase wheelchair access," said John Wilson, executive director with Community Living Oakville. "We have an increasing population with mobility issues so we need to find a way to get them into their homes in an easier way." He added the sprinkler systems will help make the homes safer for their residents. "This is just an unexpected blessing to us. This money is huge," he added. CWSDS, which services individuals with developmental disabilities around southern Ontario, including in Oakville, will use the money for specialized assessment facilities. The organization's executive director James Duncan said, "There are a number of individuals whose need levels at a particular time may require an interdisciplinary and specialized system. This money will allow us to have an appropriate design that connects with our interdisciplinary team." This funding is part of a $50-million investment over a two-year period that supports capital projects in communities across the province. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2-4 510 BOHEMIA CRESCENT (HONS.) LYNNE SAMPSON BLOTT B.B.A. OLDE OAKVILLE Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage Reduce Reuse Recycle Broker 905.845.4267 BROKERAGE ROYAL LEPAGE REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD., A WOW house! Situated on a quiet crescent with southern exposure. The most amazing landscaped garden including an inground pool as well as play space. Completely reno'd throughout! 4+1 BRs, 2 full baths, main floor FR, upscale kitchen, Rec Room. Hardwood floors on both levels. $684,900