The Ontario government has expanded its network of Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs with the opening of a new site in Sault Ste. Marie, part of a province-wide strategy to increase access to mental health, addictions, and social supports. The launch marks a significant step in the province’s nearly $550-million plan to establish 28 HART Hubs across Ontario, aimed at improving safety, strengthening community services, and delivering integrated supports for people facing homelessness, substance-use challenges, and mental health needs.
The announcement was made December 11, 2025, as the Ministry of Health highlighted its ongoing effort to build a more connected and responsive care system. The new HART Hub in Sault Ste. Marie is now operational and delivered in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Algoma and several regional organizations.
“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 for Mental Health and Addictions. “The opening of this new HART Hub will ensure that people struggling with mental health and addictions challenges in Sault Ste. Marie, can get the care they need on their path to recovery, while keeping the community safe.”
The HART model centralizes a broad range of services under one umbrella, enabling individuals to access primary care, mental health supports, addictions treatment, crisis resources, social services, and employment supports with fewer barriers. The Sault Ste. Marie Hub includes shelter and transitional beds, case management, mobile outreach, supportive housing, and Indigenous-led services, reflecting the diverse needs within the community.
Local leaders emphasized the importance of integrated care as the region continues to confront the overlapping challenges of homelessness, addiction, and mental health pressures. The facility brings together partners including Sault Ste. Marie District Social Services, John Howard Society, Sault Area Hospital, Niigaaniin Services, Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, Algoma Family Services, and Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services. The Hub is located at the Community Resource Centre at 721 Wellington Street.
Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma—Manitoulin, underscored the Hub’s value in streamlining access to essential supports. “The Hart Hub in Sault Ste. Marie is a welcome addition to our health and social services in Algoma. It will bring care, support, and connection together in one welcoming space, making it easier for people to find help when they need it most. This is about reaching people in their moment of need and providing hope, dignity, and a path to a stronger future.”
Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker also highlighted the widespread community support that helped advance the project. “The opening of a HART Hub is a significant step forward for the health and well-being of Sault Ste. Marie and the entire Algoma region. It brings specialized, life-saving care to our community, ensuring our residents can access the critical services they need closer to home. I’m grateful for the thousands of Saultites that provided letters of support for our application.”
In addition to the primary Hub, Ontarians will see further expansion of specialized services. Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services will lead a second Indigenous-focused hub in Sault Ste. Marie, delivering culturally relevant care in Blind River and several First Nation communities. Two provincial Indigenous-led hubs—in Kenora and the Sault Ste. Marie/Blind River/Sagamok region—are included in the broader expansion.
Stephanie Pagnucco, Board Chair of the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board, said the Hub strengthens the local care network. “This investment represents an essential milestone in our community’s collective road to recovery. It strengthens a holistic system of care designed to support individuals at the moments in their journey when they need it most.”
CMHA Algoma leadership echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the Hub’s collaborative foundation. “Sault Ste. Marie is a special place — when someone needs a helping hand here, we offer it,” said Lisa Case, CEO of Algoma’s CMHA. “It’s not the whole solution to homelessness, addiction and mental health struggles in the Soo, but it is a critical piece of the puzzle – and something that offers hope for a safer, healthier future.”
Sandy MacDonald, Algoma Board Co-Chair of CMHA, said the Hub reflects a local desire to build long-term solutions. “As a community, we can create lasting, positive change for current and future generations. The Sault Ste. Marie Hart Hub is deeply rooted in what our neighbours need to build a healthier, more stable life.”
The HART Hub initiative builds upon Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness, a 10-year, $3.8-billion plan to close gaps in mental health and addictions care. As part of Budget 2025, the province is investing an additional $303 million over three years for community-led mental health initiatives. Through the HART system alone, Ontario is adding close to 900 supportive housing units—over 300 more than originally planned—to help residents transition into long-term stability.
With the Sault Ste. Marie Hub now open, the province continues its rollout of services designed to meet people where they are, ensuring vulnerable Ontarians can access comprehensive and coordinated care in their own communities.
