By Mike Su, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent is set to undergo a major upgrade and expansion, doubling its size and introducing much-needed transformation in the care for children with physical, developmental, and communication challenges.
When the centre was built in 1984, it was designed for a much smaller community. Today, the demand is overwhelming. The facility currently serves more than 5,000 patients, with over 1,000 children on the waitlist. The region has outgrown the old building, and this expansion comes at a crucial time.
The new 58,000-square-foot facility, slated to open in early 2026, promises to create a welcoming, inclusive space that meets the growing demand for services and sets a new standard for accessibility and care.
Designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects, the core concept focuses on inclusivity, a connection to nature, and strengthening community bonds. Shannon Wiley, principal architect at Montgomery Sisam Architects, emphasized that the inclusive design goes beyond accessibility standards, ensuring the building accommodates the unique needs of all users. The spaces are adaptable, offering a sense of agency and choice for children and their families. This flexibility is reflected in the universal design of features such as gender-inclusive change rooms and private, accessible cubicles that promote safety and comfort.
Wiley said that upon entering the new facility, it won’t feel like a hospital or institutional building. “It’s designed to feel like home,” she said. “We want to understand that everyone experiences the world differently. There are different ways to encourage a sense of agency through design, flexibility of choice, and creating a building adaptable to different needs. It’s a place where kids and families can feel safe, supported, and connected to nature.”
The building design connects indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. Therapeutic gardens, a playground, and outdoor therapy areas will make it easier for children to benefit from nature as part of their treatment.
Other features include sheltered parking for children with mobility challenges and welcoming lobby spaces for calming or interactive experiences. The indoor therapy pool will feature specialized systems to help children in wheelchairs transition easily into the water.
Mike Genge, president of the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation, said the new centre will meet the needs of children with physical, developmental, and communication challenges.
“This building is really a home,” Genge said. “The kids that come here don’t get judged. They come in with disabilities, and this is their space, a home where they feel comfortable, welcomed, and supported.”
The facility will also include a Family Resource Centre where parents and caregivers can connect, share experiences, and access reliable information. Social and recreational spaces, along with youth programs like cooking classes, will support a holistic approach to care. Parents will benefit from thoughtful design features such as a kitchenette in the waiting area, where they can prepare food or work between appointments.
“Parents often need accurate information and a place to share experiences with others going through similar challenges,” Genge said. “This centre is designed to provide that, alongside critical respite services.”
Other services will include speech-language pathology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology, Ontario Autism Programme services, and more. One notable addition is the Snoezelen room, a multi-sensory space that helps children with autism regulate their emotions. Accompanied by a new music therapy program and other recreational activities, the room will include calming elements like lights, water features, and soothing sounds, offering kids a safe space to slow down and relax.
In addition to serving the community, the new building will be environmentally friendly. It will feature geothermal heating, energy-efficient windows, and durable materials that require minimal maintenance. The overall layout also leaves room for future growth. Sitting on six acres of land, the facility will have space for expansion as the community’s needs continue to evolve.
“The building is designed to last,” Wiley said. “We’ve chosen materials that will still look great 20 years from now, and the geothermal system will help keep operational costs low.”
The centre’s development has been a collaborative effort, with more than $10 million raised locally to complement provincial funding.
“This project shows how much Chatham-Kent cares about its kids,” Genge said. “The community has stepped up in a big way, and that support has made all the difference.”
The staff and families who use the centre have been deeply involved in the planning process. From attending design meetings to providing feedback on layouts, their input has helped shape a facility that truly meets the needs of the people it serves.
“This isn’t just a building to them, it’s their second home,” Genge said. “Their dedication and input made it clear how personal this project is to everyone involved.”
Construction is well underway, and if all goes as planned, the facility will open its doors in spring 2026. Steel frames are already rising on the six-acre site, and the foundation is in place.
Families are counting down the days until the new centre opens, knowing it will provide better access to care, shorter wait times, and a sense of community.
