The County of Renfrew is pleased to announce the official opening of the Renfrew County Mesa HART Hub, a new service that expands access to high quality mental health, addictions, and housing supports for residents experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use concerns.

 

In January 2025, the Province of Ontario selected the partnership of the County of Renfrew and Pembroke Regional Hospital to host a Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in collaboration with local community organizations. The Hub is built on the Mesa model – a collaborative, multi sector approach to providing compassionate and coordinated care.

 

On February 5, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Carefor Mackay Centre in the City of Pembroke, the current location for the Bridge Housing portion of the Renfrew County Mesa HART Hub. Local elected officials and staff were joined by Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault and MPP John Jordan, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health. Following the remarks about the project the group toured the space.

 

“As a county-wide provider of mental health services, and a leading partner in this initiative, we couldn’t be prouder of the work that has already been done to address the needs of those in the vulnerable sectors of our communities,” said Pembroke Regional Hospital President and CEO Sabine Mersmann. “Now, more than ever, there is great value in being able to draw on collective expertise by working closely with others. Ontario’s investment in this work is reflective of that and we are very pleased to be part of this and the outcomes that will be achieved.”

 

Unique to rural Ontario, the Renfrew County Mesa HART Hub integrates the “hub and spoke” model, allowing clients to move seamlessly between the 24/7 Intake Centre and existing community based access points. A three year, $6.3 million investment from the Ontario Government supports this coordinated system, ensuring residents can receive assistance close to home. Additional components include Bridge Housing units and supportive treatment beds. The HART Hub has partnered with more than 17 local agencies, as well as local municipalities, first responders and individuals with lived or living experience.

 

Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy said the Hub reflects the County’s strength in developing rural, community driven solutions.

 

“The opening of this HART Hub represents a shift in how we respond to complex needs in our community: from fragmented supports to a coordinated system of care. Through strong partnerships across health, social services, and community agencies, Renfrew County is building a model rooted in compassion, accountability, and results,” she said. “The HART Hub brings together the right partners, in the right place, to connect people with support when it matters most.

This is a community led solution, made possible through the Mesa initiative, collaboration, and an unwavering belief that everyone deserves the chance to be well.”

 

Since October 2025, the Bridge Housing program at Carefor has offered short term stays to help individuals transition from homelessness to permanent housing. To date, 12 clients have accessed the 12 beds available on site.

 

In December 2025, 10 supportive treatment beds opened at a local motel, offering wraparound care focused on goal setting and stability.

 

The 2024–2025 Warming Centre at 156 John Street transitioned into the HART Hub Intake Centre on April 1, 2025. The new model includes enhanced health coaching, system navigation, and 24/7 low barrier access for individuals seeking warmth, safety, and connection to services. Between April 1 and December 31, 2025, the Centre recorded 6,503 visits from 623 non unique and 229 unique individuals.

 

Quotes:

The opening of the Renfrew County HART Hub marks a meaningful step forward in connecting people to the care they need, close to home. As part of Ontario’s network of 28 HART Hubs, this site will deliver more integrated, community based services that support recovery, improve access to care, and enhance safety for individuals and families across the province.”

 

- Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

 

“For our community, the HART Hub means our most vulnerable, can access help in one place, at the right time, and with dignity. It strengthens the supports available locally and helps ensure individuals and families aren’t falling through the cracks. We thank the province for its annual investment in delivering these essential services closer to home.”

 

- MPP Billy Denault, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke

 

“We are proud to contribute to the HART Hub program alongside the County of Renfrew and Pembroke Regional Hospital. This work aligns closely with Carefor’s mission and demonstrates the system wide impact of stable housing – improving health outcomes, easing strain on healthcare services, and supporting stronger communities.”

 

- Steve Perry, President and CEO Carefor Health and Community Services

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Craig Kelley Chief Administrative Officer 613-735-7288

Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288