Lansdowne Children’s Centre takes major step forward with selection of architect for new Brantford facility

(L to R), Representatives of Montgomery Sisam Architects, Karine Quigley, Shannon Wiley, Wesley Gross; from Lansdowne Children's Centre, Rosemarie Press, Rita-Marie Hadley, and (far right) Tamie Aubin; and Miller McLeod and Rami Bouz of Colliers Project Leaders.

Lansdowne Children’s Centre for child development is pleased to announce the selection of Montgomery Sisam Architects for its new purpose-built facility in Brantford, marking a significant and celebratory milestone in the organization’s journey toward a new home for

children, families, and clinicians across the region.

The architect appointment following an open and competitive process represents an important next step in transforming a long-standing vision into a tangible reality. Community partnerships, including staff, client families, healthcare partners and board members, have all contributed to the effort to build a modern, accessible, and welcoming Lansdowne facility designed to adapt to meet growing service demands and support children’s development for generations to come.

The Ontario government first announced its pledge to fund planning work for the redevelopment of a new Lansdowne Children’s Centre in January 2024, when the Honourable Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, visited Lansdowne’s current Brantford site to formally share the province’s commitment to the project.

The current Lansdowne Children's Centre site in Brantford.

Since that announcement, Lansdowne’s Capital Steering Committee has worked diligently with government officials over the past year to advance the development plan, ensuring that the future facility reflects both community needs and best practices in children’s rehabilitation and development services.

In August 2025, Lansdowne announced the location of the new building at 168 Colborne Street West, directly adjacent to the organization’s current home at 39 Mount Pleasant Street, allowing Lansdowne to remain anchored in the heart of the Brantford community it has long served.

Plans for the new Lansdowne Children’s Centre include a three-storey, approximately 100,000-square-foot facility, sustainably designed to support expanded programs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhanced access to services for children and families as demand continues to grow.

With the architect now selected, the project enters an exciting new phase focused on detailed design and site development to bring the vision for the new centre to life.

Minister Michael Parsa:

“Our government is putting children and youth first by ensuring they receive the care they need,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “A new, modern Lansdowne Children’s Centre will expand access to services, reduce barriers for families, and help meet the growing needs of children and youth across Southwestern Ontario.”

MPP Will Bouma:

"Any step forward for Lansdowne Children's Centre (LCC) is a step forward for our community," said Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma. "As a government, we look forward with great interest the tremendous work that LCC is accomplishing while strengthening the entire Region.”

Executive Director – Lansdowne Children’s Centre

Rita-Marie Hadley

“Selecting our architect is an exciting and meaningful milestone for Lansdowne. This moment reflects years of planning, collaboration, and advocacy, and it brings us one step closer to creating a space that truly supports the children and families we serve. We are deeply grateful for the commitment of the Ontario government and for the incredible work of our Capital Steering Committee in moving this project forward.”

Board Chair - Lansdowne Children’s Centre

Ashley Veldkamp 

“This milestone is the result of thoughtful planning and strong partnerships. The new Lansdowne facility will serve as a cornerstone for child development services in our community, and we are excited to see the vision begin to take physical shape through the design process.”

Principal - Montgomery Sisam Architects

Santiago Kunzle

“Montgomery Sisam Architects are excited to be working with Lansdowne Children’s Centre on this transformational project. The new building represents an incredible opportunity to create an inspiring, purpose-built space that’s family-centred, community-focused, and responsive to evolving needs. We look forward to collaborating with Lansdowne, families, and partners to realize your vision.”

Background, Lansdowne Children's Centre 

Lansdowne Children’s Centre for child development provides specialized assessment, therapy, and support services to infants, children and youth with physical, developmental, and/or communication needs across Brantford, the counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk, Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Lansdowne works in partnership with families, caregivers, and community providers to help children reach their optimal potential. www.lansdownecentre.ca