Help Now! For over 34 years, Compass has provided free mental health, developmental and community services for children, youth and families in the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin. As local needs continue to grow, we were challenged with finding a new home to accommodate our service offerings. We are excited to announce that we have identified a future home, one that will have a positive impact on local children, youth and families for decades to come. The future home of Compass will be 1545 Gary Avenue in Sudbury, Ontario – the former site of the Cyril Varney Public School.
This former school requires upgrades to bring it back to life and accommodate our service offerings. Over the next year, the building will undergo construction, with a plan to open in 2026. In addition to housing Compass’ current services such as mindSPACE, the new site will also be home to the region’s first Step-Up Step-Down Live-In Treatment Program.
FAQ
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What type of construction work is planned?
The building interior will be restructured to accommodate a new purpose. For example, this includes removing walls and adding new ones and updating the building by replacing the roof and heating system, adding windows and improving accessibility.
Hydro service has been upgraded, and there is site work planned to meet the accessibility and re-greening objectives of the city under the Site Plan Control process. -
When will this construction work happen?
While some minor demolition occurred early November 2024, major construction will begin in January 2025 and last approximately one year. Generally, work will be conducted Monday-Friday during business hours (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.).
A portion of the building will open for services in April 2026 and remaining construction will be completed by August 2026- When will you open?
It is expected that the new site will open in 2026.
- Is there enough parking to accommodate staff and clients?
Yes, there is adequate parking on site to accommodate our staff and clients. We do not plan to use the street for parking.
- Once you are open, what are the hours of operation?
Our main service hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. However, a small portion of programs will operate in the evenings and weekends.
- Can neighbourhood residents use the green space outside of the building?
During construction, we are asking neighbourhood residents to avoid using the space for recreational use; however, Compass will be maintaining and revitalizing outdoor spaces in the coming years for both client use as well as hosting community events.
- Who uses your services?
Compass provides free services to over 2,000 children, youth and families each year across the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin. To learn more about our services visit compassne.ca/compass-programs/.
- What is the Step-Up Step-Down Live-In Treatment Program?
The Step-Up Step-Down Live-In Treatment Program will provide 24/7 services to youth who struggle with serious mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. The facility does not provide addictions or youth justice services and it is not a group home. There will be staff on site 24/7 for supervision.
- How can I stay updated?
We will update this webpage as new information becomes available. If you have specific questions, please email engagement@compassne.ca or call 1-800-815-7126 ext. 2571.
- When will you open?
