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Legislative Building Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1A1
November 26, 2004
Le Premier ministre de I'Ontario
Edifice de I'Assemblee legislative Queen's Park
Toronto (Ontario)
M7A 1A1
Mrs, Juanita D. MacPherson
18 Warrender Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M9B 5Z2
Dear Mrs. MacPherson:
Thank you for your letter regarding the transformation of Ontario's developmental services system and the
closure of the remaining provincial facilities for adults with a developmental disability. Your concerns are
important to me.
Our government is dedicated to ensuring that Ontarians with a developmental disability get the support and
care they need right in their own communities. Our goal is to create an accessible, fair and sustainable system
of community-based supports. In keeping with that goal, we announced, on September 9, our intention to
transform services for Ontarians with a developmental disability. We will continue to work in partnership with
stakeholders to formulate a long-term strategy that will give individuals and families greater choice and
independence.
As an important component of the transformation, my colleagues and I announced the closure of the remaining
provincial facilities for adults with a developmental disability by March 31, 2009. The closure is part of a 25-year
plan, launched in 1987, and completes the long-standing commitment by successive Ontario governments to
move from an institution-based to a community-based service system. We will also be investing up to $110
million over the next four years to strengthen the foundation of the new system.
As part of this investment, $22 million will be allocated to enhance supports that address the needs of people
living in the community with a developmental disability and community agencies that support them. It includes
additional funding for the Special Services at Home program that helps families support family members with
daily living activities, and the Foundations program that helps young adults with a developmental disability
make the transition from school to various community activities or work. Currently, the Ontario government
spends more than $1 billion annually on developmental services.
The 2009 closure of the three remaining facilities will enable residents, where appropriate, to live closer to
their families and friends and participate more fully in society. We will treat each case individually and work
with family members to develop a solution that best meets each resident's specific needs. No one will be
moved to a community until they have a suitable place to live and the necessary support services. We believe
this will offer a better quality of life for our residents — and build stronger, more inclusive communities for all
Ontarians.
You may know that, since 1975, the Ministry of Community and Social Services has enabled more than 6,000
individuals with a developmental disability to successfully move from facilities into the community. During this
time, 13 of 16 Ontario facilities have been closed.
Future planning will be carried out in collaboration with residents, their families and the community so that our
residents' needs continue to be met in a safe and caring way. Be assured that the well-being of our residents
remains our government's priority.
Mrs. MacPherson, thank you again for writing. I look forward to hearing from you on any issue of provincial
concern. Please accept my best wishes for you and your daughter, Kathy.
Yours truly,
Dalton McGuinty Premier