THUNDER BAY — September 19, 2025 | NetNewsLedger Local News — The Ontario government has opened a Thunder Bay Youth Wellness Hub, making it faster and easier for young people to access mental health, substance use, primary care, and social supports under one roof.
The level of services for youth, who are often sadly on the frontlines of the growing addiction crisis is needed in Thunder Bay
Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, said the hub is part of a broader push to connect care locally:
“Our government is continuing to take action to build a connected and convenient system of care that meets the needs of youth and their families. As part of our commitment to expanding Youth Wellness Hubs across Ontario and supporting communities with the care they need, the opening of the Thunder Bay Youth Wellness Hub ensures young people have access to high-quality mental health and addictions services, closer to home, in a space designed just for them.”
Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, emphasized collaboration:
“Youth Wellness Hubs are about providing young people with the supports they need to connect and thrive. This hub is the result of strong collaboration among local community partners who came together to create a welcoming space to deliver integrated services that reflect the needs of youth in Thunder Bay.”
Co-designed by Children’s Centre Thunder Bay with local youth, community partners, and Indigenous service providers, the hub aims to be a culturally responsive space that can include traditional teachings and supports for Indigenous youth and families.
Leaders React
Kevin Holland, MPP Thunder Bay–Atikokan:
“The opening of the Youth Wellness Hub is a tremendous step forward in ensuring that young people in our community have access to the supports they need, close to home. This vision was first raised during a roundtable we hosted two years ago, where local leaders identified priorities to strengthen mental health and addictions care in our region. Since then, our government has responded with several key initiatives, and today we are proud to see the Youth Wellness Hub become a reality. This hub will provide young people with a safe, welcoming space where they can find support, connection, and hope. By investing in youth mental health and wellness, we are helping build a stronger, healthier future for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. I want to sincerely thank the dedicated staff, partners, and community members whose commitment made this milestone possible.”
Carole-Anne Chiasson, Executive Director, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario:
“I’m thrilled to open the doors of this inclusive new space for youth in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area. Here, young people will find a full range of integrated supports — mental health, substance use care, primary care, housing, employment, recreation, and more — under one roof. This hub is possible thanks to the Government of Ontario, Children’s Centre Thunder Bay, and the many youth, Indigenous and First Nations service providers, and community partners who came together to make it a reality. Together, we are creating better opportunities and brighter futures with youth across Ontario.”
Diane Walker, CEO, Children’s Centre Thunder Bay:
“Children’s Centre Thunder Bay, as the network lead is super excited to be hosting our grand opening today on behalf of the City and District partners. We are so proud watching this project come to fruition under the guidance of our amazing youth, families, and partners. Thank you to the Ministry of Health and Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario for your support and guidance in this project. We look forward to serving youth and families in this integrated one stop service model.”
What the Thunder Bay Youth Wellness Hub Offers
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Who: Youth aged 12–25
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Access: Free, confidential, walk-in services (no referral required)
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Supports: Mental health & substance use care, primary care, peer support, newcomer and employment services, and links to community and social supports
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Design: Co-created with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique needs of Indigenous youth and families
Provincial Context
The Thunder Bay hub is one of 10 new Youth Wellness Hubs added to Ontario’s network of 22 hubs already open or in development—bringing the total to 32.
The expansion aligns with Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care and the province’s Roadmap to Wellness.
Quick Facts
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Between Aug. 2019–Mar. 2025, Youth Wellness Hubs connected ~73,000 youth and families to services, accounting for 367,000+ visits.
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In the last year, 27,000+ youth made 134,920 visits across Ontario hubs.
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Ontario is investing $8.3M over three years to add 10 new hubs (including Thunder Bay), bringing the network to 32 sites.
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The province is investing $3.8B over 10 years to expand mental health and addictions care, plus $396M over three years to improve access to existing programs.
