About The Project
By bringing services together on one block—child care, food programs, counselling, and play—we’re creating a safe, inclusive place where families can connect, learn, and grow.
What We’re Building
Situated in a safe, vibrant neighbourhood many of our families call home, The Building Block will unite an entire block in Thunder Bay into a single, family-focused hub—renovating existing sites and adding new spaces to bring licensed child care, expanded food security programs, and an outdoor play area together all on one block.
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Expanding our existing child care program with modern playrooms for toddlers and preschoolers.
Upgrading outdoor learning spaces for safe, supervised play.
Installing accessibility features (ramps, wider doorways, accessible washrooms) to welcome every family.
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Relocating and enlarging our Community Kitchen, equipped with commercial-grade prep stations, a walk-in pantry, and expanded cold storage.
Creating a dedicated Kids in Community Kitchen area where children learn cooking skills alongside family cooking workshops.
Upgrading our Emergency Food Cupboard to streamline distribution and increase storage capacity.
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Building a fully fenced, age-appropriate play area for children of all abilities.
Adding sheltered seating and picnic zones for family meals and neighbourhood gatherings.
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Converting adjacent space into walk-in counselling rooms, flexible workshop areas, and training suites for parenting and life-skill programs.
Equipping rooms with the latest audio-visual tools for virtual learning and community presentations.
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Installing security cameras, key-fob entry, and alarm systems across all buildings.
Ensuring every entrance, pathway, and restroom meets universal design standards.
Budget Breakdown
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735 Simpson St. (Community Kitchen & Family Hub)
Outdoor Play Area & Site Redevelopment (735 Simpson)
708 McKenzie St. (Training & Program Space)
704 McKenzie St. (Licensed Child Care Centre)
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Contract Staff, Marketing, Branding & Media
Contingency Fund
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$2,700,000
Funding Secured
To Date
Out of the total $2.7 million project goal,
$1,984,827 has already been raised—
that’s 73.5% of the way there.
