The Ontario government is giving $1.93 million to build a new women's shelter in Elgin County.

It will replace the existing Women's House Emergency Shelter to meet the needs of local women and children who have experienced violence in their homes.

"We are so grateful for this investment in safety for women and their children in our community,” says Liz Brown. “It is awesome indeed.”

Officials say the current location is a 98-year-old single family home that has reached its capacity and has minimal outdoor space for children to play.

The new Women's Place Emergency Shelter will be almost five times the size of the existing shelter, with bedrooms for families and a large, secured yard where children can play safely.

It is scheduled to open in summer 2016 and is also being supported by about $1.1 million in community donations.