February 19, 2005 Sandra Pupatello Minister of Community and Social Services Hepburn Block, 6th Floor 80 Grosvenor St. Toronto, Ontario Dear Mrs. Pupatello: Since we were unable to speak to you last Thursday evening, after waiting 2-1/2 hours, I am taking this opportunity to write our concerns. The one thing parents, siblings and relatives need to know is WHY the facility is closing especially in view of the problems inherent in moving people who are not only fragile but also extremely resistant to change in their environment, particularly when this has been their home for at least the last thirty years. You have told us in the media “the philosophical debate about institutions happened in 1900.”  In our fast changing world, 35 years ago is hardly an argument for today when so many schemes have been overturned by successive governments, e.g. the see-saw pronouncements regarding hydro, the use and the later dismemberment of traffic cameras to mention only a few.  Why should the HRC closing be the only plan written in stone? In 2000, Michael Cillis, supervisor at the time, wrote to parents at that time pointing out that planned residential moves had been completed and no further changes were contemplated.  Those still left at HRC were not considered capable of dealing with the world outside.  Have these people, unable to adapt to group homes then, suddenly acquired the abilities to cope with a more complex setting? You have told the media there would be generous funds available to effect changes necessary to rehabilitate clients installed in group homes.  How can the government provide these funds when every department is struggling with cutbacks? What happens to those already on group home waiting lists if they are displaced by HRC clients? Where are the doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, audiologists, etc., already in short supply in the community, needed to replace those serving now at HRC? We cannot believe with all the land there, the buildings and the expertise at the facility, there would not be room to let our residents stay in their “home”. Melding HRC with a university and, or a Centre of Excellence, would result in a unique situation and make Orillia a pacesetter in multiuse facilities. Yours truly (Mrs.) Doreen MacDonald