MANITOULIN—Three Manitoulin communities will benefit from provincial funding for senior active living centers and community grants toward services and activities in Northeastern Ontario to allow them to stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected to their community. The Ontario government is investing more than $1.6 million.
On Manitoulin $20,976 is being provided to the Gore Bay Elderly Persons Centre, with $9,600 in seniors community grants to the Township of Assiginack and Sheshegwaning First Nation.
“Seniors helped build the Ontario we’re proud to live in today,” said Raymond Cho, minister for seniors and accountability. “When we invest in our seniors, we are building a better province for all. These investments help seniors live happy, healthy and independent lives.”
Over $1.1 million is being invested in 29 seniors active living centres (SALCs) across Northeastern Ontario as part of the more than $15 million in funding for programs provincewide this year. This investment is an increase of close to 10 percent over last year, resulting in a majority of SALC programs getting a funding increase from $42,700 to up to $50,000 from last year to deliver a variety of programs such as book clubs, fitness classes, health and wellness services, social groups and other special events.
Over $500,000 is also being invested through Seniors Community Grants to support 24 programs across Northeastern 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.
“Both the Seniors Community Grants and the newly expanded Seniors Active Living Centre programs provide older adults in Northeastern Ontario with programs that ensure they can enjoy their golden years, while staying active and socially connected,” said Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli. “Our government recognizes that funding these programs helps build healthier communities while delivering opportunities even in remote areas.”
