PUSLINCH – Todd Smith, provincial minister for children, community and social services, visited Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre in Puslinch Township on July 30.
Smith was accompanied by Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, who extended the invitation to Smith to visit the centre.
Smith toured the present facility and reviewed the architectural plans for a proposed residential/respite supportive affordable housing building for adults with developmental exceptionalities.
Also discussed were the proposed architectural plans for an expansion of the stables and barn buildings to provide much needed additional programming space.
The extra space will support not only the present waiting list for service, but also incorporate new and innovative teaching and life skills programs for future residents, adults enrolled in Sunrise’s Life Skills Day Program, and clients in the proposed respite program for adults 18 years and older.
“We appreciated minister Smith’s time commitment, his keen interest in the Sunrise programs, and his instant connection with our therapy horses — the backbone of our many successful programs — sadly all presently closed due to the pandemic,” officials said.
