TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing close to $925,000 in seniors services and activities to help more seniors in Northwestern Ontario stay fit, active, healthy, and social connected in their communities and closer to home.
“Seniors helped build the Ontario we’re proud to live in today and they remain at the heart of our communities in every corner of the province,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “When we invest in our seniors, we are building a better province for all. These investments help our seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives.”
Close to $750,000 is being invested in 20 Seniors Active Living Centres (SALCs) programs across Northwestern Ontario as part of the more than $15 million in funding for programs provincewide this year.
“The investments we have made through the Seniors Active Living Centres and Seniors Community Grants are a testament to our governmentwide commitment to building vibrant and connected communities across Kenora–Rainy River and the Northwest,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora–Rainy River and Minister of Northern Development. “With nearly $925,000 dedicated to supporting senior organizations, we are enhancing opportunities for Northwesterners of all ages to stay active, healthy, and engaged within their own communities.”
This investment is an increase of close to 10 per cent from last year, resulting in a majority of SALC programs getting a funding increase from $42,700 to up to $50,000 to deliver a variety of programs such as book clubs, fitness classes, health and wellness services, social groups, and other special events.
“These investments bring our seniors and the whole community together with services, activities and programs that make sure our seniors stay connected all year long,” said Kevin Holland, MPP Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “The Seniors Community Grants and Seniors Active Living Centres greatly benefit seniors all across the Northwest addressing loneliness and social isolation.”
More than $175,000 is also being invested through Seniors Community Grants (SCGs) to support 12 programs in Northwestern Ontario that are connecting seniors and older adults to social, cultural, learning, and recreational opportunities for seniors to stay fit, healthy and connected in their communities. This is part of the government’s recent investment of up to $6 million to support 282 community projects across Ontario.
The government continues to take steps to improve resources for seniors. On June 1, 2024, changes to the Seniors Active Living Centres Act, 2017 came into effect that enable more types of organizations to deliver SALC programs. A call for proposals for organizations to deliver SALC programming opened on July 16, which will add to the more than 300 Seniors Active Living Centre programs being delivered across the province.