Five Counties Children’s Centre to Return to Minden

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) has signed a new lease for space at the Minden site of Haliburton Highlands Health Services at 6 McPherson St.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The renovated, approximately 700-square-foot space is just off the main entrance, on the second floor of the Community Health Wing of the HHHS site. This space will allow Five Counties staff to see and support more Haliburton County kids, youth and families according to a press release.

“We are pleased to reach agreement with Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) on this space that will allow Five Counties to provide care closer to home,” says Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Re-establishing our presence in Minden will save local families the need to drive to Lindsay or Peterborough to access treatment and therapy services.”

Moving into the HHHS site in Minden is a homecoming for Five Counties, which previously leased another portion of the facility. That arrangement ended when HHHS had to reclaim the space during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“HHHS is delighted to welcome Five Counties Children’s Centre back into our building,” said Veronica Nelson, HHHS President and CEO. “Five Counties’ dedication to the community through therapy and treatment services to support children with physical, developmental, and communication needs and their families, is inspiring. HHHS looks forward to a continued partnership with Five Counties to bring health and wellbeing to our younger local population.”

Five Counties provides speech, occupational, and physical therapies and other kids’ treatment services in Haliburton County, Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County. Five Counties staff work in Centre sites in Minden, Lindsay, Peterborough, Cobourg and Campbellford, as well as in local schools and virtually to support kids and youth from birth to age 19 (21 if still in school).

“We know that early intervention – especially when it comes to how a child talks or walks – is so important to help kids reach their full potential,” said Pepin. “Parents and caregivers are dealing with so much already if their child has been diagnosed or identified with unique needs that impact their development. That’s why making it easier for families to get the help they need when they need right in their own community is essential.”

Post-pandemic, Five Counties has been seeking new space in Haliburton County. Five Counties opened a new satellite location at Archie Stouffer Elementary School in Minden in the past year or so, using a repurposed classroom for treatment space. The space has been helpful as a base of operations for Five Counties staff to see local families and provide treatment in area schools.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, which has been very generous in allowing us to use the classroom space as a way to see kids, students and families right here in their own community,” said Pepin.

Even with Five Counties moving into the HHHS site in Minden, the Centre will continue to use the space at Archie Stouffer School for physiotherapy services, as the wider space there is ideal for this treatment.

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