Ontario Helping Seniors in Northwestern Ontario Stay Fit, Healthy and Active
Close to $925, 000 being invested in active living programs and community grants helping more seniors participate in activities closer to home in Northwestern Ontario
August 13th, 2024
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.
“These investments totaling over $400,000 for Thunder Bay – Atikokan and Thunder Bay Superior North from the Seniors Community Grants and Seniors Active Living Centres funding will greatly benefit our seniors across Northwestern Ontario by providing continued or expanded services, activities, and programs that help foster healthy and supportive communities,” said Kevin Holland, MPP Thunder Bay – Atikokan.
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 Rural 60 Plus Centre is honoured to receive over $50,000 in funding from the provincial government to continue and expand our active senior living programs. This support from the ministry of Seniors and Accessibility will greatly benefit our local senior community, enabling us to enhance the quality of programs and events for our members and ensure that they remain active, healthy, and engaged within our community.” said Lucy Kloosterhuis, Mayor of Oliver Paipoonge
“The North McIntyre Rec Centre (NMRC) is proud to be a provincially-funded Seniors Active Living Centre. The funding it receives from the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility makes it possible for it to provide a wide variety of programming, events and experiences for the older adults in its community. From sports, fitness and recreation, to movies, karaoke and “Stuffy Rider” adventures, the North McIntyre Rec Centre older adults are engaging in activities and experiences that help them build and maintain meaningful connections and supports their overall health and well-being.” said Charlene Rogers, Programs, Marketing & Facilities Coordinator at the North McIntyre Rec Centre
“There are many programs that require financial support from the Seniors Active Living Grant to provide programs and services for older adults. It is with great appreciation that we thank the Government of Ontario for choosing the West Arthur Community Centre to be a recipient of the funding this year. With your support, the funding fuels our mission to provide recreational, educational and social opportunities for the older adults of our community.” said Twyla Biluk, Support Services Coordinator at the Thunder Bay 55 Centre
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.
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.
Quick Facts
- The number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly, from 2.8 million or 18.4 per cent of population in 2022, to 4.4 million, or 20.3 per cent by 2046.
- While more seniors live in large urban centres, smaller or rural regions tend to have a higher proportion of seniors in their communities.
- There are now 316 Seniors Active Living Centre programs across Ontario.
- Seniors can use the online search tool to find a SALC program near them.
- Since 2018, Ontario has invested in over 1,700 Seniors Community Grant programs.
Additional Resources