Ontario Supporting Long-Term Care Residents with Complex Needs in Whitby

June 16, 2025

Local Priorities Fund invests in specialized equipment and innovative programs

News | June 16, 2025
OSHAWA ― Today Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to
the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security.
announced that the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming is providing two non-profit organizations in Oshawa with $386,000 through the Ontario Trillium
Foundation’s (OTF) Grow grant stream.

The organizations receiving funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation are:

• Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre – $175,200
• The Robert McLaughlin Gallery – $211,200

“Our government believes organizations like the Durham Region Unemployed Help
Centre and The Robert McLaughlin Gallery enrich the lives of people in Whitby and
Oshawa and play an important role in building a strong and prosperous economy in
the Region of Durham. That’s why I am proud that they are receiving this support,”
said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children,
Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of
Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security. “These organizations are
pillars of our community, and this funding will enable them to better serve the people of Durham Region and continue to make a positive difference.”

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a
difference – helping people train for new careers, learn new things, or simply
connect with those around them,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and
Gaming. “That’s why the grow grant support that my ministry is providing is so
important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs remain available in
our communities across our province, for years to come.”

“The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre is a valued agency providing a vital
service to the Oshawa community and the broader Durham Region,” said Jennifer
French, MPP for Oshawa. “Unemployment is a challenging time for anyone. I am
grateful for the support the DRUHC will be able to offer refugees through this Grow
Grant to help them establish a new life in a new country. I am thankful for the Ontario
Trillium Foundation’s recognition of the importance of this work and for investing in our community.”

Provincial funding that is received through the OTF’s Grow grant stream support
established programs and services that have a proven track record of success and
meet community need.

Funded projects:
• Expand an existing program or service
• Improve an existing program or service
• Adapt an existing program or service

Please visit the OTF’s website for more information and a full list of Capital grant
stream recipients.

QUOTES

“The Robert McLaughlin Gallery has always been a hub of culture, community, and
creativity. This Grow Grant will allow the RMG, in partnership with the LivingRoom
Community Arts Studio, to expand their programming at the gallery and into the
broader community so that more people can create. Thank you to the Ontario Trillium
Foundation for your continued support of the arts in Oshawa!”

-Jennifer French, MPP for Oshawa

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, and clients, I would like to extend my
sincere thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support through the ‘Grow’ grant. This funding has enabled us to expand our capacity to provide essential employment services to refugee claimants in the Durham Region, making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families who have been displaced from their homes and are seeking to rebuild their futures here in Canada. This grant demonstrates the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s commitment to investing in local initiatives that make a real difference in our community.”

-Lina Zakaria, Executive Director, Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre

“Joining the RMG team at this moment is especially meaningful, as I take on the responsibility of caring for the Neighbours Art Hive Project, made possible by the significant support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This grant reflects a shared belief in the power of art to be a catalyst for fostering community and meaningful relationships. I’m inspired by the work of the Living Room Community Art Studio, and proud that this partnership will expand a welcoming, creative space for our community. It’s a powerful reminder of how art can nurture well-being, inspire creativity, and help people feel authentically included and valued.”

– Alix Voz, Chief Executive Officer, Robert McLaughlin Gallery

“We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support
of the Neighbours Art Hive Project presented in collaboration with the LivingRoom Community Art Studio. This grant will help us deepen our commitment to accessible, inclusive, and healing-centered creative spaces. With OTF’s support, we can continue building a strong, resilient community where art-making is a tool for connection, expression, and well-being.”

-Leila Timmins, Senior Curator, Robert McLaughlin Gallery
QUICK FACTS

▪ The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture
and Gaming. Its mandate is to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout
Ontario by investing in community-based initiatives and strengthening the impact
of the province’s non-profit sector. OTF programs support the arts, culture,
heritage, sports and recreation, human and social services, and environment
sectors across the province.

▪ Nearly $682 million has been invested in more than 5,900 projects since
2018, creating more than 7,300 full time jobs and generating nearly $981
million in economic benefits for communities across Ontario.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
2023 Ontario Budget | Building a Strong Ontario

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MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Eric.Hutchins@pc.ola.org
905-430-1141