Ontario Invests $529M in HART Hub for Oshawa to Combat Addiction and Homelessness
New facility to provide wrap-around services for individuals struggling with addiction, mental health, and homelessness.
The Ontario government has announced the launch of a Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Oshawa, part of a $529 million provincial initiative to establish 27 such hubs across the province. The Durham Region HART Hub, led by the Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) in partnership with local authorities, aims to provide comprehensive support for individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, and homelessness.
“We are incredibly honoured to be chosen as the lead agency for this vital initiative,” said DCHC CEO Francis Garwe. “Our team has a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of unsheltered individuals in Durham Region, and the HART Hub will allow us to expand our impact and provide even more compassionate care.”
The HART Hub will offer a range of services, including primary healthcare, mental health and addiction treatment, supportive housing, and employment and income support. Clients will also have access to on-site or referral-based services such as shelter, food, showers, and naloxone distribution.
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, a recovering addict himself, praised the initiative as a critical step toward recovery-based solutions. “This hub will provide the foundation for long-term recovery and wrap-around care for individuals struggling with addiction,” he said. “It’s a testament to our community’s commitment to helping those in need.”
Ajax MPP Patrice Barnes echoed this sentiment, calling the HART Hub a “cornerstone of support” for those battling addiction. “By focusing on treatment and recovery, this hub will help individuals regain control of their lives while ensuring our community remains strong and supported,” she said.
The announcement comes as part of the province’s broader strategy to improve access to mental health and addiction services while addressing public safety concerns. Earlier this year, Ontario closed nine supervised injection sites located within 200 metres of schools or licensed childcare centres. Unlike these sites, HART Hubs will not offer supervised drug consumption or needle exchange programs but will instead focus on recovery and long-term support.
“Our investment in 27 new HART Hubs reflects our commitment to keeping communities safe and ensuring timely access to mental health and addiction care, no matter where you live,” said Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones.
The Durham Region HART Hub is expected to open by April 1, 2025, alongside other hubs across the province. Durham Region Chair John Henry expressed gratitude for the investment, stating, “This hub will improve outcomes for our most vulnerable residents through compassionate care and comprehensive programs.”