Peterborough Community Health Centre Celebrates Grand Opening

The Peterborough Community Health Centre (PCHC) officially opened its doors on October 7, 2023, with a public celebration designed to welcome community members into its new facility. The event took place from 1 to 6:30 p.m. at the centre’s location in Peterborough Square at 360 George Street North. During the festivities, attendees witnessed a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Kathy MacLeod-Beaver, a traditional knowledge holder from Alderville First Nation, alongside traditional women’s hand drumming by Naandewegaan.

This free drop-in celebration included soup tasting and tours of the newly renovated space, allowing community members to meet the PCHC team and learn about the services and programs offered. Executive Director Ashley Safar expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re really excited to open our doors to community. For a long time, people in Peterborough have been asking for a community health centre and now we have this space that’s designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and culturally safe.”

The PCHC aims to provide comprehensive health services that blend Indigenous knowledge with Western medicine, fostering a holistic approach to well-being. “It’s not just a clinic — it’s a hub for healing, connection, and community,” Safar added. The centre has been thoughtfully designed by Unity Design Studio and constructed by Mortlock Construction Inc. to reflect the diverse community it serves.

One significant aspect of the PCHC is its central location, which enhances accessibility and aims to create a safer environment for residents. “The fact we will be downtown will help support the vibe in the downtown core for folks who are directly accessing the PCHC,” Safar noted. The centre is positioned to offer various services under one roof, including primary care, traditional healing, community programming, and advocacy support.

The PCHC is dedicated to meeting the needs of priority populations, including individuals without a primary care provider, Indigenous individuals, and those facing various barriers to care. “Healthcare should be a doorway, not a barrier,” Safar stated. The centre’s creation emphasizes reconciliation, aiming to improve the overall health of the community by integrating traditional healing practices with modern healthcare.

In February 2024, the provincial government committed approximately $4.8 million in annual funding to support the PCHC’s initiatives. The clinic provides a range of services at no cost, with a focus on individuals experiencing homelessness, newcomers, and those living in extreme poverty. Services include access to traditional healers, medical professionals, social workers, and dietitians, ensuring that community members receive personalized care that aligns with their individual health needs.

Indigenous clients will benefit from culturally specific programs, allowing them to engage in ceremonies and connect with traditional knowledge holders. Beyond healthcare services, the PCHC will also advocate for broader community issues such as housing and food insecurity, aiming to create a healthier environment for all.

Currently, the PCHC is working with a limited number of clients from its priority populations through referral-based intakes. Safar indicated that the centre plans to expand its client base in the future. Individuals without a family doctor or primary care provider are encouraged to register with the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Health Care Connect program, as the clinic will utilize this registry when ready to increase client intake.

For more information about the Peterborough Community Health Centre, community members can visit www.ptbochc.ca. The grand opening marks a significant milestone in the commitment to providing accessible, inclusive, and culturally competent healthcare for the residents of Peterborough.