Caledon Recovery Centre: New specialized treatment facility coming to Caledon

June 4, 2026 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

First responders and mental health support were in the spotlight last Friday as Premier Doug Ford joined Runnymede Healthcare Centre and 407 ETR at Caledon Fire Station 302 to announce a significant investment in post-traumatic stress injury centres.

407 ETR announced a $5 million donation to Runnymede Healthcare’s Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Centre of Excellence.

These centres in Toronto and Caledon will deliver “specialized integrated mental healthcare for police, firefighters, paramedics and frontline healthcare workers.”

407 ETR’s donation, as stated in a press release, marks the largest private-sector gift to date toward the dedicated mental healthcare facilities for Ontario’s first responders.

The funding will support the construction of two new specialized treatment facilities in both Toronto and Caledon.

The $5 million will establish “first-of-its-kind” comprehensive PTSI rehabilitation-focused programs and services tailored to the needs of first responders.

Station No. 3434 in Toronto will serve as an outpatient clinic, while the Caledon Recovery Centre will provide residential care and treatment.

Construction is slated to begin for both facilities in 2027.

“It will be a game changer for firefighters and all first responders who carry the weight of what they deal with on the job,” says Caledon Fire Chief Dave Pelayo. “Too often, our members put their own well-being last while they focus on protecting and helping others. Having a dedicated, first responder–focused facility like this means earlier support, better outcomes and reassurance that help is available.”

In a statrment, Connie Dejak, President and CEO of Runnymede Healthcare Centre, stated that more than 36,000 first responders in Ontario are currently affected by PTSI, and that number is expected to exceed 46,000 by 2040.

“Once open, these two sites will work together as one system of care, offering meaningful, evidence-based pathways to healing,” says Dejak.

“Our Highway Safety Patrollers and Control Centre team work closely with the 407 OPP detachment and with emergency response partners every day, and through that work, we see not only the professionalism, care and commitment they bring, but also the toll this work can take,” says Jose Espinosa, President & CEO, 407 ETR. “We’re proud to be the first corporate sponsor of the PTSI Centre of Excellence to ensure those who protect our communities have access to the care and long-term support they deserve.”