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Five Counties at 50
Five Counties at 50
Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Five Counties Children’s Centre marks its 50th anniversary in 2025. The Centre is extremely grateful for the wonderful memories and moments (and ones still being made) as we support local children and youth (and their families) with physical, developmental and communication needs.

Join us in celebrating 50 years! Take part in festivities. See and share stories. Learn more about how the Centre was established and how it’s evolved.


Our Memories

Your story is our story! That’s why Five Counties is pleased to share stories from current and former clients, families, staff, volunteers and supporters. Find all the stories here and check back as more are added (follow us on social for updates).

 

  • Read Our Stories

Andrea's Story

Andrea's Story

Born with cerebral palsy, Andrea Dodsworth was not expected to survive. Now in her early 50s, Andrea has defied all expectations. And she has Five Counties to thank.

Val's Story

Val's Story

As one of the first staff hired at Five Counties, Val Vickers was a trailblazer in providing needed care for kids close to home.

Mike's Story

Mike's Story

Mike Hannah hasn’t let a life-long movement disorder slow him down. In fact, he credits Five Counties for helping him to hit the ground running.

Emira's Story

Emira's Story

The support Emira and her family receives from Five Counties is a ‘huge blessing,’ her mom Haidyn says. It’s an example of how Five Counties continues to offer life-changing treatment services to local families.

Dr. Mary Thain's Story

Dr. Mary Thain's Story

The long-serving pediatrician at Five Counties reflects on her nearly 50-year career that’s made a difference for generations of children in this region.

Laura's Story

Laura's Story

Laura Viscardis doesn’t mince words when she describes the impact Five Counties Children’s Centre has had on her life.

Sharon's Story

Sharon's Story

Sharon Pearsall’s artistic flair doesn’t rub off, and that’s good for children and families who have enjoyed her colourful mural handiwork for decades at Five Counties Children’s Centre.

The Doyles' Story

The Doyles' Story

Parents Tony and Kelly tell how the support of Five Counties changed the course of their young son, Max’s, life.

Rotary's Role

Rotary's Role

Five Counties would not be here without the central role played by local Rotary Clubs. And here’s how the story begins.

The White's Story

The White's Story

Glen and Suzette White share their story of how Five Counties assisted their son, Adam (who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby), succeed in life “Hope means you’ve got a future,” Glenn says.


Our Moments
Sod turning for new Five Counties in 1974

At the sod turning for the ‘new’ Five Counties Children’s Centre in 1974.

It’s a golden age for Five Counties, as it marks 50 years in 2025 of supporting children and families in Peterborough, Northumberland County, City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County. Learn more about how the Centre started.

  • In the early 1970s, Rotary Clubs from Peterborough, Lindsay, Minden, Haliburton, Havelock, Cobourg, Port Hope, Campbellford and Fenelon Falls come together to establish a new “children’s care centre” for the region. Rotary clubs join with local leaders and families of children with disabilities to convince provincial officials to support the construction of the new Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough. Their aim is to provide care closer to home, reducing the need for local families to have to drive to Oshawa, Toronto or Kingston for treatment.
  • On March 21, 1972, Five Counties is officially incorporated. In a history of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, Five Counties is described as a centre “designed for the treatment, educational, social and physical needs of handicapped children within the ‘five counties’ region.”
  • A sod-turning for the ‘new’ Five Counties takes place in 1974 on lands donated for the project on Dutton Road in Peterborough. On Oct. 2, 1975, construction is completed and the Centre officially opens its doors.
  • In 1981, Five Counties establishes a location in Lindsay and Centre staff begin began traveling monthly to Haliburton County to provide treatment services for families there.
  • In the 1990s the Centre opens new locations in Campbellford (1995) and in Cobourg (1999) to better serve families in Northumberland County.
  • In the early 2000s, Five Counties re-establishes its physical presence in Haliburton County by leasing space at the Minden site of Haliburton Highlands Health Services.
  • In 2025, Five Counties marks its 50th anniversary.

Click on the timeline to view a larger image of it.


Our Milestones

Learn more about some of significant events or initiatives that have happened at Five Counties over 50 years.

  • In the early 1970s, the original construction plans for Five Counties in Peterborough included a therapy pool, but had to be shelved due to high costs.
  • In 1985, Five Counties becomes the first children’s treatment centre in Ontario to be accredited.
  • In May 2001, accessing programs and services at Five Counties becomes much easier, as the Centre’s board of directors approves parents being able to self-refer their child for support. Prior to this, a doctor’s referral had been required.
  • Over the years, Five Counties has provided treatment to local students. In the early days, this was done in two classrooms that were attached to the Five Counties site in Peterborough. In 1986, Five Counties staff began to provide more treatment directly in schools – and the classrooms at Five Counties in Peterborough were ultimately closed in 2006. Last year, 3,910 students received treatment services through Five Counties’ school-based rehab program.

Early 1970s drawing of Five Counties.Centre of Attention

  • See a 1974 pamphlet that outlines the original plans and look for the ‘new’ Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough.

Clients served over the years at Five Counties

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Building Abilities for Life for 50 Years!
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