Ontario Creating 40 More Seniors Centres

October 31, 2017

Applications Now Open for the Seniors Active Living Centres Program

Ontario is now accepting applications from organizations interested in opening new Seniors Active Living Centres, to develop up to 40 new centres across the province over the next three years.

These new centres will help meet the needs of Ontario’s growing seniors’ population by offering programming that supports seniors to remain independent, healthy and active, safe and socially-connected. Programming could include a range of activities such as exercise classes, transportation services and communal dining experiences.

The province currently supports a network of 263 centres across Ontario that welcome more than 100,000 people each year.

Supporting seniors in living healthy and active lives is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy, and help people in their everyday lives.

 

QUICK FACTS

  • Ontario is investing $8 million over three years to develop up to 40 new Seniors Active Living Centres.
  • Applications for the first round of new centres will be accepted until December 21, 2017.
  • Older adults are the fastest growing segment of Ontario’s population. As of 2015, there are more people in Ontario over the age of 65 than children under 15.
  • Ontario provides $11.5 million in annual funding to support the existing network of 263 centres that serve more than 100,000 people every year.
  • Modernized legislation for these centres came into effect on October 1, 2017, giving them more flexibility to use their resources in ways that make sense for local seniors, while at the same time, helping build strong partnerships to strengthen services and act as community hubs.
  • Ontario is committed to helping seniors stay independent, healthy, active and engaged in their communities throughout all phases of their lives. With more than two million seniors in Ontario — a number that is expected to double in 25 years — the province has an important role in supporting seniors’ well-being and opportunities to thrive.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 

QUOTES

“We are expanding the network of senior centres across the province to meet the demand of a growing seniors population, and to help keep seniors active, healthy and engaged. We are encouraged by the level of interest already, and look forward to receiving proposals that look to support our diverse communities.”
— Dipika Damerla, Minister of Seniors Affairs

 

“The Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario has been advocating for increased support for this program, and today’s announcement brings to fruition the hard work of the Province to recognize and support the growing needs of seniors in Ontario.”
— Sue Hesjedahl, Executive Director, Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario