MAPLE, Ont. — The Ontario government has expanded its network of Youth Wellness Hubs with the official opening of a new centre in Maple, aimed at making mental health and addictions services more accessible to young people in York Region.
The Maple Youth Wellness Hub is one of 10 new locations being added to the provincial network, bringing the total to 32 hubs across Ontario. The expansion is part of the province’s broader effort to strengthen mental health and addictions care and ensure services are delivered closer to home.
“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,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “As part of our record investments to expand Youth Wellness Hubs across Ontario and supporting communities with the care they need, the opening of the Maple 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.”
Comprehensive Services for Youth
The new hub will provide free, walk-in services for youth aged 12 to 25. Offerings include mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support, and social services. Additional programming will extend beyond health care, with access to newcomer supports, employment services, and community resources.
The hub was co-designed by York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families in partnership with local youth, families, and community organizations to ensure the services reflect the needs of the region.
“Youth Wellness Hubs are about providing young people with the supports they need to connect and thrive,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “By expanding this network, we’re strengthening Ontario’s mental health and addictions system and making it easier for youth to get convenient, integrated care in a safe, welcoming space that meets their needs.”
Investment in Provincial Mental Health Strategy
The Maple location is part of the government’s “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care,” which emphasizes expanding access to integrated health and wellness services. Between 2019 and March 2025, Ontario’s Youth Wellness Hubs served nearly 73,000 youth and their families, resulting in more than 367,000 visits. In the past year alone, over 27,000 young people accessed services at hubs across the province.
Ontario is investing $8.3 million over three years to establish 10 new hubs in communities including Port Hope, Thunder Bay, Oxford County, Vaughan, Brampton, Akwesasne, Bancroft, Cambridge, Dufferin County, and Durham/Ajax. The expansion builds on a $3.8-billion, 10-year commitment under the Roadmap to Wellness strategy, with an additional $396 million earmarked over three years to expand existing services.
Local Leaders Welcome the Hub
Local representatives praised the launch as a crucial step in addressing mental health needs in the community.
“Mental health care is health care, and our government remains committed to ensuring that our youth have access to the supports they need to thrive,” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill. “The new Maple Youth Wellness Hub will empower families in Thornhill and across York Region by providing youth with care that is more accessible, and closer to home.”
Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan—Woodbridge, added: “The importance of supporting the mental health and well-being of Ontario’s young people cannot be overstated. That is why I am proud to see our government opening yet another Youth Wellness Hub — and right here in York Region. Building on the proven success of hubs across the province, this safe and welcoming space will be a game-changer for Vaughan’s youth, providing the high-quality care and supports they deserve, close to home.”
Community-Driven Model
The design of the hub was shaped by youth and community partners to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment.
“I’m thrilled that doors are officially opening at this inclusive new space for youth in Vaughan and the surrounding area,” said Carole-Anne Chiasson, Executive Director of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario. “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.”
Nina Singh, Hub Manager for Youth Wellness Hub Maple, highlighted the role of youth leadership in shaping the centre. “YWHO Maple is a testament to what’s possible when youth are empowered to lead,” she said. “Every step has been driven by a deep commitment to youth wellness. I’m proud of the dedication shown by our youth leaders, staff, and partners, and I’m honoured to contribute to a hub that truly puts youth at the center.”
