$26,900 OTF Capital Grant for Accessibility Upgrades

Whitby, ON - On Thursday, Whitby MPP Lorne Coe was at Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS) to hear from its staff on how a $26,900 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has made a difference at their site. The grant, awarded in 2022, enabled LRCSS to renovate and upgrade its building’s main washroom facilities this spring, making the space safer and more accessible for everyone.

“Lake Ridge Community Support Services is at the forefront of creating innovative programs that meet the needs of people with autism and intellectual disabilities, as well as their families,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. “Our government proudly supports Lake Ridge Community Support Services’ important work to make sure people of all ability levels have the supports and opportunity to succeed.”

Lake Ridge Community Support Services is a non-profit organization in the area that supports people with autism spectrum disorder and with intellectual disabilities. Many clients, staff and community members use LRCSS’ main office, located at 900 Hopkins Street, for client meetings, professional development, and training. And thanks to the OTF grant, LRCSS was able to make accessibility upgrades to its main washroom, helping with the cost for a contractor to add new touchless features, thereby increasing safety by reducing the risk of exposure to various germs and viruses. The grant also helped with the costs of new floor and wall tiling, painting the walls, as well as installing two new toilets and sinks.

"We are very appreciative of the grant we received,” said Sandie Hoskin, Executive Director, Lake Ridge Community Support Services. “This endeavour would not have been possible without the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The grant allowed us to update and refresh the washroom spaces that employees and clients use.  Our washrooms are more welcoming and accessible to everyone."

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS) is a local nonprofit that believes everyone can thrive. LRCSS empowers autistic individuals, those with intellectual disabilities and their families by developing their communication, social skills and daily living skills through innovative and high-quality behaviour therapy services.