Ontario Celebrates Seniors Community Grants Recipients

Funding helping connect older adults to programs that help them stay active and socially connected

June 26, 2024

The Ontario government is investing up to $6 million through the Seniors Community Grant Program to support 282 community projects that help seniors and older adults stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected, close to home.

“My thanks once again to Minister Cho and the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility for including some wonderful seniors programs in LFK in this latest round of funding,” said John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “This will enable more seniors in the region to be socially connected, physically active and getting more supports they need to live healthy lives.”

“The Seniors Community Grants Program is a great example of how our government is working for local communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are pleased to provide funding for so many programs that bring older people together to avoid being socially isolated, learn new skills, get fit, enjoy group activities and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”

Up to $25,000 per project is invested in local programs, services and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. The Seniors Community Grants Program is a unique Ontario government grant designed to reduce social isolation, fight ageism and create positive connections.

One of the recipients was the Township of Montague.

“The Township will offer programs for Senior arts and culture and additional physical activity programs at little to no cost to our rural remote community,” said Allison Vereyken, Clerk/Administrator for the Township of Montague. “The program will include monthly art classes with light lunches, entertainment brought to our fully accessible community hall, a trip to the National Arts Centre to promote arts/culture and a weekly walking club and exercise class where information about healthy diets and living will be distributed, all with the intention to reduce social isolation, promote healthy active living and increase volunteerism of seniors in the community as they will assist in planning and organizing the events/programs.  These funds have such a huge impact on our small rural community and allow us to continue to engage our Seniors in a fun, active and safe way! Thank you to Mr. Jordan for working on behalf of our area.”

This announcement comes as Ontario marks Seniors Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments of seniors in the province. Earlier this month, Ontario announced annualized funding for over 300 Seniors Active Living Centres that connect seniors to activities, programs and services in their communities.

“We are so excited to have been awarded the opportunity to initiate a new project with the support of the Seniors Community Grant Program,” said Chelsea Cawker, Assistant Director of Care-Resident Services at Fairmount Home in the County of Frontenac. “Our proposed project, named The Fairmount Community Engagement Project, will create an opportunity for seniors living in LTC and the community to come together and participate in a meaningful exercise program delivered in a safe and trusted environment. We believe this project will greatly improve the quality of life for residents and community members who choose to attend, and we can’t wait to get started!”

Other successful applicants in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston include the Almonte Lawn Bowling Club, Lanark Highlands Public Library Board, the Town of Carleton Place and Watson’s Corners Community Hall.

Over 100 Seniors Active Living Fairs are also expected to take place in 2024-25 which will provide more opportunities for seniors to learn about supports and programs in their community. Last year, over 100 in-person, virtual and northern fairs were held throughout the province. To find a fair near you, visit this link.


Quick Facts

  • See the full list of 2024-25 Seniors Community Grants.
  • Since 2018, Ontario has invested in over 1700 Seniors Community Grants.
  • See the full list of Seniors Active Living Centres.
  • 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.

Additional Resources


MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

www.johnjordanmpp.ca

john.jordan@pc.ola.org

613-284-1630

Facebook: John Jordan, MPP Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

X(formerly Twitter): @johnjordan_lfk