The Regional Municipality of Niagara won a 2026 Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) Local Municipal Champion Award for ‘Reimagining EarlyON as an Integrated Community Hub for Families in Niagara Region’.
Niagara Region has transformed its EarlyON Child and Family Centres into a coordinated, community-based hub model that strengthens integration across early years, social services, and community supports. Acting as Consolidated Municipal Service Manager (CMSM), the Region has provided strong system-level leadership, aligning eight service delivery agencies under a shared vision that prioritizes access, equity, and collaboration. EarlyON has been repositioned as a trusted entry point into the broader human services system, enabling early identification and seamless referrals to services such as housing, mental health, and family supports. Through co-located programming in libraries and community hubs, outreach in transitional housing and priority neighbourhoods, and partnerships with Indigenous and Francophone organizations, Niagara Region has reduced barriers and improved access for families, particularly those facing vulnerability and complexity.
Published By: Niagara Region
Publication Date: May 21, 2026
Click here to access the Niagara Region news release Niagara’s EarlyON Centres recognized for innovation while delivering strong results for families
