Ontario government invest in construction of first responder post-traumatic stress injury treatment centres

Jan. 27, 2025, Caledon, Ont. — The government of Ontario is investing in the construction of Runnymede Healthcare Centre’s Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Centre of Excellence for First Responders.

The new funding builds on the $10.7 million the government previously invested to support early capital planning for the centre’s two new facilities.

The two facilities in the Greater Toronto Area will deliver comprehensive PTSI rehabilitation-focused programs and services tailored to the needs of first responders and support them throughout their journey to recovery, the province reported in a press release.

In Toronto, the new facility will focus on providing rehabilitative serv ices including assessment, intensive outpatient therapy, and aftercare, while housing recreation programs and facilitates that encourage health and recovery.

The new facility in Caledon will provide 40 residential beds to connect first responders to tailored and comprehensive treatment services.

Once opened, the Runnymede Healthcare Centre will provide care to 1500 workers each year, accommodating 41,700 visits.

“Firefighters experience mental health challenges at a significantly higher rate than the general population due to their repeated exposure to traumatic events while serving their communities,” said Greg Horton, president of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association, in a media release. “The government’s significant investment in this mental health initiative for first responders will enable the construction to begin on this one-of-a-kind center which will provide critical support to firefighters and other first responders in need.”