Community Programs

Bruce County offers a wide range of children's programs including assisted daycare and learning programs, plus community programs for adults, seniors and families. When financial assistance is required, this is where to start exploring the options. Our hope is that you discover a compassionate and sharing community like no other.

Service Directory

General Inquiries

Location: Walkerton Administration Centre

Tel: 519-881-1291

info@brucecounty.on.ca

Services

This is where to start exploring the options. Our hope is that you discover a compassionate and sharing community like no other.

Community Programs

Strategic Community Initiatives Fund

The Strategic Community Initiatives Fund Granting Process is intended to contribute to the advancement of human services goals and priorities and/or provide specific support to low income households.

Bruce & Grey Community Information

211 is a free, 24/7 hotline that helps people connect to community, social, health and government services in their communities. To support this work Community Connection/211 maintains a comprehensive database in partnership with the United Way of Bruce Grey, and the Counties of Bruce and Grey.

Not-for-Profit Community Grant

Bruce County recognizes the role philanthropy plays in strengthening our community and that the benefits of such acts ultimately improves the quality of life for all residents. To support this recognition, the County has a Community Grant program that provides a mechanism for groups or organizations to make financial requests to County Council. For eligibility and details, please review the policy below.

Spruce the Bruce

Spruce the Bruce is a local community improvement initiative created in 2011. The program generates social and physical change in rural communities, improving local quality of life and creating attractive, supportive business environments.

Child Activity Assistance Program

The Child Activity Assistance Program (CAAP) is a fund available for families with a gross income of less than $30,000.00 to assists families with the cost of activities. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are closed to the public. Programs and services are open virtually with most services related to Ontario Works being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some in person service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call your nearest Bruce County office at the numbers below for any inquires or for more information. Walkerton: 519-881-0431 Kincardine: 519-396-2116 Port Elgin: 519-389-5580 Wiarton: 519-534-1286

Employment Services

Information about the various employment supports that are available. Supports include resources to secure employment and upgrading opportunities. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are closed to the public. Programs and services are open virtually with most services related to Ontario Works being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some in person service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call your nearest Bruce County office at the numbers below for any inquires or for more information. Walkerton: 519-881-0431 Kincardine: 519-396-2116 Port Elgin: 519-389-5580 Wiarton: 519-534-1286

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Emergency Financial Assistance

Beginning in January 2016, Bruce County became both the lead and intake agency for the Westario Power Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Emergency Financial Assistance (LEAP EFA). The Westario Power LEAP EFA is a grant program designed to help low-income customers who find themselves in need of assistance with arrears owed to Westario Power. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are now closed to the public. Programs and services will continue virtually with most services being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Bruce County Housing Services office at 519-396-3450 for any inquiries or for more information.

Tenant Support

Bruce County Housing Corporation owns and manages over 600 social housing units across Bruce County. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are now closed to the public. Programs and services will continue virtually with most services being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Bruce County Housing Services office at 519-396-3450 for any inquiries or for more information. Please Note: All playgrounds and play structures at County owned buildings have been reopened.

Ontario Priority Housing Initiative

Bruce County periodically receives Provincial and Federal funding to invest in affordable housing. COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are now closed to the public. Programs and services will continue virtually with most services being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Bruce County Housing Services office at 519-396-3450 for any inquiries or for more information.

Apply for Housing

Find information on this page about how to apply for housing by mail, in person, or find the application online COVID-19 Announcement: Our offices are now closed to the public. Programs and services will continue virtually with most services being provided by phone, fax, and email. Some service appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Bruce County Housing Services office at 519-396-3450 for any inquiries or for more information. Please Note: All playgrounds and play structures at County owned buildings have been reopened.

Early Learning Coordination

The Early Learning Coordination (ELC) program enhances quality and builds capacity within Licensed Child Care Programs in Bruce County. Bruce County’s Early Learning Coordinator collaborates, mentors, and supports educators in the child care and early learning community. With the collaboration of Bruce County’s Children’s Services team this capacity role supports the implementation of the Quality Scan Tool (QST) and coordinates professional learning opportunities. These opportunities provide a platform in which educators can reflect on their current practices to enhance and align with Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years ‘How does Learning Happen?”

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

Come Explore With us! We Can’t Wait To Meet You!

Resource Program

The Special Needs Resource Program supports the inclusion of children with special needs in Bruce County licensed child care setting, EarlyON programs, and authorized camps, children’s recreation and skill building programs. COVID-19 Announcement: During the Provincial lockdown period, Bruce County Resource Teachers will be reaching out to families we serve on a regular basis to provide support, guidance and information about developmental activities for your child. Please feel free to contact us at 518-881-0431, toll free at 1-800-265-3005, or by email at childcare@brucecounty.on.ca.

Child Care Fee Subsidy

Child Care Fee Subsidy provides financial assistance to eligible families for children in their care attending a Licensed Child Care Program or an Approved Bruce County Home Child Care Provider. COVID-19 Announcement: Please note that our offices are closed to the public, however, Child Care Caseworkers are available to assist families by phone and email. Please feel free to contact us at 518-881-0431, toll free at 1-800-265-3005, or by email at childcare@brucecounty.on.ca for information and support.

Becoming a Home Child Care Provider

The Bruce County Home Child Care Program (HCC) is a program that is licensed under the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and provides quality child care in a home setting.