Ontario Combatting Domestic Violence in Niagara by Investing in Gillian’s Place Shelter Expansion

March 18, 2026

St. Catharines – The Ontario government is investing $3.8 million to support the renovation and expansion of Gillian’s Place shelter in St. Catharines. The investment will help increase capacity and enhance supports for victims and survivors of gender-based violence in Niagara.

“This investment in the expansion of Gillian’s Place will help strengthen community-based services in Niagara so more survivors of gender-based violence can receive the support they need to heal,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“The Marotta Family Centre for Violence Prevention and Outreach Support will provide more beds and bring more services under the same roof, making it easier for survivors to access services and supports.”

“Our government is proud to support Gillian’s Place, which provides vital services to victims and survivors of gender-based violence so they can stay safe, recover and begin their healing journey,” said Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

“Gender-based violence has no place in Ontario, which is why we will continue to work with community partners to strengthen local services, support survivors and put an end to this heinous crime.”

“We are tremendously thankful for the support of the Ontario government,” said Nicole Regehr, Executive Director of Gillian’s Place.

“This investment is a testament to a shared vision to create services and spaces where all survivors are treated with trust, dignity and compassion.”

The province’s capital investment will contribute to the completion of the Marotta Family Centre, which will provide a dedicated space for administrative work and community outreach services including counselling, legal assistance, transitional and aftercare support and violence prevention and community education programs. The expansion will also create room for Gillian’s Place to add six new emergency shelter beds.

“Investing in community-based service providers to deliver local supports is part of our government’s four-year action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence,” said Hon. Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.

“By providing a safe and caring environment, Gillian’s Place is empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and achieve stability for themselves and their families.”

This investment builds on Ontario’s actions to better respond to violence, build safer and healthier communities, and support women’s well-being and economic security through Ontario’s action plan to end gender-based violence.