Giant Steps set to open new autism centre this fall
by Jordan Stoopler
The excitement is palpable ahead of the scheduled opening this fall of Giant Steps’ brand-new 65,000-plus square-foot centre in the city’s east end.
“It is probably the most important time in the history of Giant Steps,” said Andre Pereira, Giant Steps’ director of marketing and communications. “It’s going to change everything. We’ve been more than just a school for many years, but now we’ll be able to expand programs and services in all areas, in a state-of-the-art centre.”
The project centers on four distinct yet interrelated pillars: youth education, adult education and employment, community outreach and training, and a research and innovation hub. The space will be able to accommodate more students, with 120 youth-sector students between the ages of four and 21 set to enroll (an increase of 30 from the current student body), and approximately 70 students aged 21 and over. Additional services will be offered to the community at large, including activities on weekends.
“With the vision that led to the construction of this new building, Giant Steps will support autistic individuals across their life span and build upon our strengths and strong partnerships to positively impact the world of autism for generations to come,” said Pereira.
The design of the $52-million centre, constructed by Provencher Roy under the leadership of Giant Steps’ Director of Innovation and Special Projects Thomas Henderson, is unique. The round curvature of the building was chosen so as to allow natural light to enter. Certain classes have special pods for students to escape the hustle and bustle of the classroom itself – a mini class within the larger class, so to speak.
There is also a spacious gym/multi-purpose room, which will feature windows that open directly onto the yard. The current school, located in NDG, does not have a gymnasium for students.
“Everything from the way the light enters the building to the breakout classes and nooks and crannies within the class and common spaces were designed with autistic individuals’ needs in mind,” said Pereira.
The centre’s new location within Montreal’s Technopôle Angus neighbourhood in Rosemont-La Petite Patrie was also carefully chosen.
“It is a very dynamic, inclusive and community-focused neighbourhood,” said Pereira. “Everyone really supports each other. We have a few initiatives that we will carry out in the community rather quickly to further promote inclusion and provide opportunities for our students, as well as the autistic community at large.”
The project first broke ground in December of 2021 and has been funded mainly by private donors and fundraising efforts, save $15 million provided by the provincial government. Despite the capital campaign beginning at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Pereira says support has been strong with the community stepping up to support the venture. Efforts are currently focused on raising the outstanding $4 million needed to reach its $51.4 million goal.
The centre is scheduled to open in time for the 2023-2024 academic year.
