Ontario Expanding Access to Vital Government Services in the North

March 11, 2024

HUNTSVILLE — The Ontario government is making it easier and more convenient to access in-person government services, such as driver’s licences and health cards, with the launch of a mobile service centre in six northern Ontario communities.

The mobile centre will deliver in-person access to services to the communities of MacTier, Burk’s Falls, Apsley, Denbigh, Whitney, and Moose Deer Point First Nation. Service is now available in MacTier and Burk’s Falls with the expansion into the remaining four communities taking place by April.

“Our government is delivering on its commitment to closing service gaps and enhancing the customer experience for northern Ontarians,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery. “The mobile service centre is just one example of how, under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are constantly introducing innovative service delivery models and utilizing new technologies to better adapt to the unique needs of communities throughout Ontario.”

The mobile service centre is accessible and offers service in both English and French. Community members can locate the regular days and hours of operation at Ontario.ca/Locations and book a convenient appointment at Ontario.ca/Appointment.

Recognizing there is no one size fits all when it comes to service excellence, the mobile service centre builds upon ServiceOntario’s alternative service delivery initiatives to meet the unique needs of local communities, including:

• New municipal partnerships operating ServiceOntario centres in Chatham, Dresden and Pickle Lake, providing one-stop municipal and provincial services in a single location.
• A partnership with the North Shore Tribal Council, which operates a brick-and-mortar centre in Cutler as well as a mobile service unit that travels to communities throughout the Robinson-Huron Treaty area.
• A central service hub with Employment Ontario in Eganville.
• Retail partnerships with Canadian Tire, IDA, Home Hardware, and Staples Canada.

Quick Facts

• More than 24 million transactions are completed in person annually at 276 ServiceOntario centres throughout the province. Find a centre near you by visiting Ontario.ca/Locations.
• 55 of the most in demand services, more than half of total services, can be easily accessed online at Ontario.ca/Services.
• In 2023, over 18.9 million individuals and businesses conducted transactions online through ServiceOntario.
• Sign up for reminders by email, text or phone call so you always know when it is time to renew your important products at Ontario.ca/Reminders or call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 (TTY 1-800-268-7095).

Quotes

“Improving access to important government services in small towns and rural communities is a top priority. We are closing the gap in service delivery in Ontario’s smaller, more remote communities. I am pleased mobile service centres will be helping constituents across Parry Sound—Muskoka with important services, such as renewing health cards and driver’s licences.”

– Graydon Smith
Minister of Natural Resources, MPP Parry Sound—Muskoka

“I want to congratulate Minister McCarthy for delivering yet another innovate approach to providing services for rural communities in Ontario. I look forward to this mobile service centre which will provide more services to the residents in Hastings—Lennox and Addington.”

– Ric Bresee
MPP, Hastings—Lennox and Addington

“Previously residents in North Kawartha would have to travel an average of 90 kilometres round trip to visit a ServiceOntario location. The provincial government is committed to ensuring all of Ontario has access to government services they need, and this is one more step towards that promise.”

– Dave Smith
MPP, Peterborough—Kawartha

Additional Resources

Find information about the ServiceOntario mobile service centre at Ontario.ca/ServiceOntarioOnTheGo

Media Assets

ServiceOntario mobile service centre with accessibility ramp parked in a community.

ServiceOntario mobile service centre parked in a community.

Service counters inside the ServiceOntario mobile service centre.

Related Topics

Business and Economy

Information about Ontario’s economy and how to do business here. Includes economic development opportunities, research funding, tax credits for business and the Ontario Budget. Learn more

Rural and North
Information about the province’s Far North and rural communities. Get connected to business improvement organizations and learn more about funding and programs that support rural, northern and Indigenous communities. Learn more

Media Contacts

Matthew D’Amico
Minister’s Office
Matthew.D’Amico@ontario.ca

MPBSD Media Desk
Communications Branch
MPBSD.MediaRelations@ontario.ca

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