Pine River Institute

Pine River Institute A treatment program for youth struggling with addictive behaviours and other mental health issues.

09/10/2026

School absenteeism is a big issue, not just in Ontario, but across Canada. 🎓 Join us on September 22 from 7-8PM for 'Every Absence Has a Story: Understanding the Many Faces of School Absenteeism' with Dr. Jess Whitley to learn more about the issue. Register today: https://pineriverinstitute.com/community-resources/masterclass/

More students are struggling to attend school regularly, raising important questions about learning, mental health, and how we can better support students and families.

We are very excited to be hosting a masterclass with Dr. Jess Whitley. In her talk, she will explore what the research tells us about school absenteeism, why students may be struggling to attend, and what approaches can help create more supportive pathways back to school. Dr. Whitley is a Professor of Inclusive Education at the University of Ottawa and holds a University Research Chair focused on the intersection of inclusion, mental health, and school attendance.

Why are more students missing school?York University research found that student absenteeism in Toronto schools roughly ...
09/09/2026

Why are more students missing school?

York University research found that student absenteeism in Toronto schools roughly doubled over 12 years, with the trend already underway before COVID-19.

Students with lower academic achievement also tend to have higher absenteeism, highlighting how missing school can deepen existing challenges.
As Ontario makes attendance part of final grades, one question remains:
Can grades address absenteeism, or do we need to better understand why students aren’t showing up?

Want to learn more about this topic? Sign up for our free Masterclass on September 22 from 7-8PM, 'Every Absence Has a Story: Understanding the Many Faces of School Absenteeism' with Dr. Jess Whitley. Register today: https://pineriverinstitute.com/community-resources/masterclass/

For a lot of young people, this is a time for renewal, opportunity, connection, and hard work. But 'back to school' look...
09/08/2026

For a lot of young people, this is a time for renewal, opportunity, connection, and hard work. But 'back to school' looks a little bit different at Pine River.

While students across Ontario are heading back to the classroom, Pine River students are learning year-round as they work toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). đź“š Our teachers work alongside each student to develop personalized curriculums that meet their individual needs, strengths, and goals, helping them build confidence both in and outside the classroom.

And, the results speak for themselves: students who complete our program see an 80% increase in achieving A’s and B’s. Education isn’t just about catching up. It’s about helping young people discover what they’re capable of.

School absenteeism is a growing concern, impacting students, families, educators, academic achievement, and mental healt...
09/03/2026

School absenteeism is a growing concern, impacting students, families, educators, academic achievement, and mental health. 🎓 Join us on September 22 from 7-8PM for free masterclass with Dr. Jess Whitley, 'Every Absence Has a Story: Understanding the Many Faces of School Absenteeism'. Register today: https://pineriverinstitute.com/community-resources/masterclass/

Dr. Jess Whitley will explore the complex and diverse experiences behind absenteeism, share current research, and discuss promising approaches to supporting students and improving attendance.

We were pleased to partner with Sunnybrook and others on SunRYSE, a one-month program supporting Toronto youth experienc...
09/01/2026

We were pleased to partner with Sunnybrook and others on SunRYSE, a one-month program supporting Toronto youth experiencing mental health challenges while helping them reconnect with school, build skills and strengthen social connections.

While youth took part in the program, Pine River Institute’s Centre for Family Initiatives (CFI) worked alongside their caregivers, offering four weeks of online groups focused on understanding youth mental health, practical support and coaching.

It reflects something that is central to our work at Pine River: when we support young people, we support the people who care for them, too. Read more about SunRYSE and hear directly from some of the young people who took part: https://sunnybrook.ca/2026/08/unique-summer-programming-to-support-youth-mental-health/

Today Is . We remember the lives lost to overdose and stand with the families, friends, and communities carrying that l...
08/31/2026

Today Is . We remember the lives lost to overdose and stand with the families, friends, and communities carrying that loss.

But, the act of remembrance also leaves us with a difficult question: How do we act for those still here?

At Pine River Institute, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to be supported, understood, and reminded that their story is not over. That means creating spaces where youth can build connection, develop healthier ways to cope, and find a path forward.

The first phase of our program is about more than just getting outside; it’s about discovering what you are truly capabl...
08/27/2026

The first phase of our program is about more than just getting outside; it’s about discovering what you are truly capable of.

Through time in nature, new challenges, and meaningful experiences, this program alumnus realized that they were stronger, both physically and emotionally, than they thought possible. A big part of the journey for young people is discovering that life can feel good without substances, and that growth and connection can be so much more fulfilling.

08/25/2026

What is your go-to relaxing summer activity? 💬 Ours has to be canoeing. 🛶

Canoeing is an important part of the Outdoor Learning Experience (OLE) at Pine River. Time on the water gives young people opportunities to step away from daily pressures, connect with nature, challenge themselves, and build trust with others.

For youth struggling with mental health and addiction, experiences like these can create space for reflection, connection, and developing healthy ways to cope.

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We're not the only ones concerned about the risk of high potency cannabis on youth. In a recent Policy Options article, ...
08/24/2026

We're not the only ones concerned about the risk of high potency cannabis on youth. In a recent Policy Options article, they raise important concerns about how cannabis products have evolved since legalization, particularly products with much higher THC levels, including concentrated vapes and edibles.

"Today’s cannabis is far stronger than what previous generations encountered. This is no accident, but rather the result of an incentivized marketplace — an “arms race” among producers competing for consumers through increasingly potent products."

Adolescence is a critical period of brain development, and higher-potency cannabis can increase the risks of serious mental health harms. Learn more about why we're advocating for a public education and awareness campaign: https://pineriverinstitute.com/news/opinion-greater-public-education-is-needed-around-high-potency-cannabis/

08/20/2026

Youth have always needed support, but the world around them is changing.

Young people are navigating tough home environments, personal worries, and an increasingly overwhelming stream of information from the internet and social media. While the challenges may look different, the need remains the same: support, connection, and a safe space to work through what they’re experiencing.

At Pine River, our aim is to help young people build the skills, confidence, and resilience to navigate a complicated world.

Address

180 Dundas Street West, Suite 1410
Toronto, ON
M5G1Z8

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30am
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30am
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30am
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30am
Friday 9am - 4:30am

Telephone

+14169551453

Website

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