On December 22nd, MPP Lisa Thompson announced the Ontario government is providing $60,000 to the Corporation of the County of Bruce through this year’s Inclusive Community Grants Program that provides funding to municipalities, Indigenous groups, and community organizations for programs and infrastructure projects that promote inclusivity for older adults and persons with disabilities.
“Investments like these in our community are integral to making sure that our residents can receive the care that they need,” said MPP Lisa Thompson. “Grants like the Inclusive Community Grant are taking the steps to properly plan out the infrastructure needed to care for citizens now, and in the future.”
This grant will allow the Corporation of the County of Bruce to support the Exploring a Bruce County Seniors Home Sharing Program. This endeavour will result in a consultant report that will provide direction and an outline to prioritize the necessary next steps in this important initiative.
“Ontario’s older residents and people with disabilities deserve to have more inclusive opportunities to stay fit, active, healthy, and socially connected to their community,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “That is why our government is investing in projects across the province that will build community programming and accessible infrastructure that will help increase the wellbeing and quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities.”
“This Inclusive Community Grant funding will allow Bruce County to explore options and opportunities in setting up a Seniors Home Sharing program here in Bruce County. A Senior Home Share program could bring together seniors with available space in their home with individuals seeking an affordable place to live,” said Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody.
The Ontario government is investing more than $740,000 in seventeen Inclusive Community Grants Program Projects across the province in 2022-23 that promote innovation and expand digital literacy to older adults and persons with disabilities, support infrastructure upgrades to improve accessibility and respond to the unique needs of Indigenous communities, and much more.
Twenty per cent of Ontarians ages 15 to 65 have a disability and forty-three percent of Ontarians over age 65 also have a disability. These numbers are expected to increase as the population ages.
By 2025, there will be 3 million older adults in Ontario – the fastest growing demographic group in the province.
Inclusive and Age-Friendly Communities work to promote accessibility, safety and active living for older adults and people with disabilities.
