Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce, is pleased to announce that the Ontario government is providing $51,137 in funding to The MacKay Centre for Seniors in Goderich, to help more seniors stay fit, healthy and active in their community. This investment is part of the $15 million announced recently to support all current Seniors Active Living Centre’s (SALC) programs across the province that connect seniors with resources and activities.
“The MacKay Centre certainly is an important hub of activity in Goderich and sets a high standard when it comes to how a seniors’ centre can positively impact quality of life, enriched with a commitment to activities that bring seniors together,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “The MacKay Centre organizes services, activities and programs that make sure our seniors stay connected all year long,” Thompson added.
“Senior Active Living Centre’s 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 Centre’s being delivered by municipalities, new changes to the Seniors Active Living Centre’s Act, 2017 came into effect as of June 1, 2024 that enable more types of organizations to deliver Seniors Active Living Centre programs.
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.
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.
Seniors represent a larger proportion of the population in smaller and rural communities than in urban centre’s. There are now 316 Seniors Active Living Centre programs across Ontario.
Seniors can use the online search tool to find a program near them.
