Ontario is taking a significant step toward improving access to mental health and addiction recovery services with the launch of a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in London. The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s nearly $550 million investment to establish 28 HART Hubs across Ontario. These hubs aim to enhance public safety, strengthen family support systems, and expand access to vital recovery and treatment resources for individuals facing homelessness, mental health issues, and substance use challenges.
“We are building a stronger, more connected system of mental health and addictions care that better reflects the needs of communities and focuses on lasting recovery,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “The opening of this new HART Hub will ensure that people struggling with mental health and addictions challenges in London can get the care they need on their path to recovery, while keeping the community safe.”
Comprehensive and Community-Based Recovery Support
The new HART Hubs are designed as integrated treatment and recovery centers that provide access to a wide range of health and social services under one roof. Each hub connects individuals to essential care including primary health care, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, social support, and employment assistance. The London HART Hub, officially opening on October 27, 2025, will be operated by CMHA Thames Valley Addiction & Mental Health Services. It will deliver customized programs tailored to the community’s specific needs, including:
- Mental health counseling and crisis support
- Primary health and preventive care
- Substance use recovery programs
- Wraparound support and case management
- Supportive housing for mental health and addiction recovery
Through the provincial strategy Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care and building on the Roadmap to Wellness, Ontario aims to create a seamless network of services that ensures people receive timely and coordinated support wherever they are in their recovery journey.
Progressive Expansion Across Ontario
As of April 1, 2025, nine existing Consumption and Treatment Services sites have successfully transitioned into HART Hubs. These upgraded facilities now deliver expanded recovery-focused services that prioritize long-term wellness while maintaining community safety. With additional hubs scheduled to open across the province, Ontario is ensuring that vulnerable individuals have better access to comprehensive, high-quality care.
Addressing Housing and Recovery Together
One of the most innovative aspects of the HART Hub model is its integration of supportive housing as a key element of addiction recovery. The hubs will collectively add nearly 900 supportive housing units across Ontario—over 300 more than originally planned. These units are designed to help individuals transition from homelessness or unstable living conditions into safe, long-term housing, creating a foundation for lasting recovery and improved quality of life.
Commitment to Indigenous-Led and Culturally Relevant Care
Ontario’s investment also includes the establishment of two Indigenous-led HART Hubs located in Kenora and Sault Ste. Marie/Blind River/Sagamok. These hubs will operate in partnership with Indigenous service organizations to deliver culturally responsive care that aligns with community traditions and healing practices. This reflects the government’s broader goal of ensuring that all Ontarians—particularly those in underserved or marginalized populations—have access to equitable and effective treatment services.
Focused on Treatment, Recovery, and Safety
The HART Hubs are designed with a strong emphasis on recovery-oriented care. Unlike some existing harm reduction models, the hubs will not offer safer supply programs, supervised consumption sites, or needle exchange services. Instead, the focus is on providing individuals with the tools, resources, and professional support necessary to achieve and maintain recovery while reducing risks to community safety.
Strategic Investments in Mental Health Infrastructure
The Ontario government continues to make long-term investments through its Roadmap to Wellness initiative, committing $3.8 billion over 10 years to close gaps in mental health and addictions care. This funding supports the creation of new services, the expansion of existing programs, and the development of a more responsive and accessible system. As part of the 2025 provincial budget, an additional $303 million over the next three years will go toward community-led mental health initiatives, empowering local organizations to provide tailored support to those most in need.
Conclusion
The launch of the London HART Hub represents more than just a new facility—it marks a transformative shift in how Ontario addresses homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. By integrating healthcare, housing, and social services into one coordinated model, the province is taking a holistic approach to addiction recovery that focuses on dignity, stability, and long-term wellness. As more hubs open across Ontario, they are expected to create a lasting impact on communities, offering hope and healing for thousands of individuals seeking recovery.
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