Close
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.

Andrea's Story

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.

Val's Story

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.

Mike's Story

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.

Emira's Story
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.

Timeline

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.
Our Celebrations

Five Counties is pleased to be marking its 50th anniversary with celebration events at each of our Centre sites. The following dates are being planned:

    • Campbellford: May 27, 4-6 pm – A Family Fun Fair to celebrate Five Counties’ 50th anniversary and 30th year in Campbellford. The event will include kid-friendly activities, tours of the Campbellford space, and treats for families.

    • Cobourg: Tentative date June 19, 3-5 pm – Event will mark our 50th anniversary, but more prominently will celebrate the official opening of the new outdoor backyard space in Cobourg.

    • Minden: Summer 2025 (Date TBD)– An open house/event with invited dignitaries and elected officials to officially celebrate the opening of our new Minden site and mark our 50th anniversary

    • Lindsay: Sept. 6, 10 am – 1 pm – Our Family 50-Fest features outdoor kids activities, music, games and other family-friendly events, to mark our 50th anniversary and work in Lindsay and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

    • Peterborough: Sept. 27, 10 am – 1 pm – Our Family 50-Fest features kids activities, food, music, games and tours of the Dr. Mary Thain site and invited guests/speakers, to officially mark the opening of the Peterborough site in October 1975. 2025, Five Counties is planning events in each of our communities to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Watch for more details coming soon.

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

Five Counties 50th anniversary logo
Building Abilities for Life for 50 Years!
#FiveCounties 50