Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Progress Across the Rainy River District

As 2025 comes to an end, the District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) would like to thank residents, municipal and First Nations partners, and community organizations for their continued support and collaboration. This past year was one of thoughtful planning, steady progress and meaningful action aimed at strengthening services and supporting people across the district.

In 2025, DRRSB introduced its new 2025–2030 Strategic Plan centred in the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation and respect. Developed with input from staff, community partners, municipalities, and residents, the plan sets clear priorities for the next five years. It focuses on building a strong organization, supporting people and communities, influencing positive system change, and ensuring services grow in a sustainable and responsible way. Work to implement the plan began immediately across all service areas.

One of the most significant milestones this year was the opening of the HOPE Transitional House. This new program provides short-term supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and offers a safe place to stabilize, connect with supports, and plan next steps. Since opening, the program has already helped a few individuals move toward greater stability and independence, marking an important step forward in addressing housing needs in the district.

Emergency medical services also saw important progress in 2025. Rainy River District Paramedic Services continued efforts to stabilize staffing and operations across the district’s large and rural geography. Improvements to scheduling, recruitment, and staff supports have strengthened the service’s ability to provide reliable emergency care when residents need it most. Additional focus was also placed on mental health and wellness supports for paramedics, recognizing the demanding nature of their work.

In Children’s Services, DRRSB continued to focus on long-term system planning and stability. More than 300 parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners participated in the development of the 2026–2030 Child Care and Early Years Service System Plan. Planning also continued for the opening of additional licensed child care spaces in 2026, which will help increase access to child care and support working families across the district.

Housing and homelessness prevention remained a key focus throughout the year. The DRRSB engaged residents through surveys, tenant feedback, and Community Conversations to help inform the upcoming 5-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. This input will guide future investments and services to better respond to local needs, particularly for seniors, families, and individuals facing housing instability.

In 2025, DRRSB also continued to support residents through Ontario Works and in their transition to employment, helping individuals and families meet basic needs while working toward greater stability and independence. Staff supported people through periods of job transition, training, and personal challenges, while working closely with community partners to reduce barriers to employment. This year also marked the strengthening of partnerships with the Northern Community Development Services (NCDS) and the Atikokan Employment Centre, strengthening local employment supports and expanding opportunities for individuals to build skills, connect to meaningful work, and participate more fully in the local economy.

Collaboration continued to be central to DRRSB’s work in 2025. Staff worked closely with local municipalities, Indigenous partners, health and social service organizations, and community groups to support mental health and substance use initiatives, food programs, community safety efforts, primary care attachment and commemorative events. These partnerships help ensure services are coordinated, respectful, and grounded in community strengths.

As the year ends, the DRRSB remains focused on building on this progress. With a clear strategic direction and strong partnerships in place, the organization will continue working to support residents, strengthen communities, and respond to emerging needs across the Rainy River District.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this work in 2025. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient district.