2008 was an important year
for Ontario211. In spring, the Ontario provincial budget set aside more than $13 million
over four years for 211 to expand 211’s capacity to reach all Ontarians. At the end of 2008, 211 was featured in the
provincial “Breaking the Cycle: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy” as one element of
“Smarter Government”. The Province committed on-going funding of $4.0 million
per year to sustain 211 for all Ontarians, starting in 2012.
This double boost from the
provincial government sends an important message to 211’s partners, local United Ways and municipal governments. 211 is here to stay and together, we can
ensure that all residents of Ontario can readily access the community, government and health-related
services they need.
The 2008 funding
announcements build on the foundation created by earlier provincial
investments. In 2006, the province
provided the United
Ways of Ontario with $1.4 million to expand the network from 3 sites
serving 20% of the population to 8, serving over half of all Ontarians. It also provided $3 million to develop the
data base of agencies and services that forms the core of 211’s phone and web
channels.
Ontario211 completed the
development of its local network in 2008.
The launch of three new 211 sites, in Thunder Bay, Peel Region and Ottawa, rounded out the 211 system to 8 hubs. In 2007 Halton Region and Windsor/Essex
joined Toronto, Niagara Region and SimcoeCounty. These eight sites now form the
backbone of the system to provide 211 services to all Ontarians by 2011. Currently, Ontario211 reaches over 6 million
Ontarians (over 50% of the population) and is now developing plans to reach the
other half.
This funding to expand and
maintain province-wide services underpins the partnerships with local United Ways
and municipalities. “Other funders have been waiting for this signal from the province,”
said Morris. “Ontario
’s investment will help leverage additional
investments in 211, and open the door to new partnership opportunities.”
