Helping Ontario Seniors Stay Fit, Healthy and Active 

Increasing our investments in Seniors Active Living Centres bringing resources and activities closer to home in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

June 18, 2024

John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, announced that the Ontario government is helping more seniors stay fit, healthy and active in their community by investing up to $15 million to support all current Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) programs across the province that connect seniors with resources and activities.  

“Our Senior Active Living Centres are an extremely important part of the community,” said MPP Jordan.  “They bring seniors and the whole community together with services, activities and programs that make sure our seniors stay connected throughout the year. My thanks to Minister Cho and the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility for the continued support to these vital programs and services for our seniors in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston.”

The up to $15 million 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.

“Senior Active Living Centres help build healthier, safer communities by providing a community hub for older adults,’’ said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Our government’s expansion and investment in Seniors Active Living Centre programs will help even more older adults, including those in remote areas, get the supports they need to live healthy, independent lives.”  

Due to the overwhelming success of Ontario’s more than 300 Seniors Active Living Centres being delivered by municipalities, new changes to the Seniors Active Living Centres Act, 2017 came into effect as of June 1, 2024 that enable more types of organizations to deliver Seniors Active Living Centre programs.  

“Carebridge Community Support, a proud member of the Lanark Community Alliance, is delighted to receive annual funding for our Senior Active Living Centres in Almonte and Carleton Place,” said Robert Eves, CEO of Lanark Community Alliance. “This investment not only enhances the health and activity of our seniors but also provides a crucial hub for community connection. At Carebridge Community Support, we envision a compassionate, person-centred community where everyone belongs. We believe that communities flourish when every individual feels valued and respected, living to their fullest potential. Our seniors deserve nothing less.”

Other organizations that received funding for their SALC programming include McMartin House in Perth, Southern Frontenac Community Services, the Maberly SALC in Tay Valley and the Highland North Network SALC in Lanark Highlands.

A call for proposals for organizations to deliver SALC programming will open later this summer. In addition to municipalities, other local and community-based organizations such as Legions, Lion’s Clubs, and other social and recreational clubs are now welcome to apply.

Organizations that deliver SALC programming contribute 20 per cent of the cost of delivering the program, with the province providing the remaining 80 per cent.

This announcement comes as Ontario marks Seniors Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments of older people in 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 program near them. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Seniors Active Living Centres

Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors