Helping Ontario Seniors Stay Fit, Healthy, and Active

Increasing our investments in Seniors Active Living Centres brings resources and activities closer to home in Mississauga-Lakeshore

MISSISSAUGA — Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP for Mississauga-Lakeshore, announced today that the Ontario government is helping more seniors stay fit, healthy and active in our community by investing $102,274 in local Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) programs, including $51,137 each for the Mississauga Seniors Centre and the Clarkson Community Centre.

Across the province, up to $15 million will support all current Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) programs that connect seniors with important resources and activities.

“Our Senior Active Living Centres are an important part of the community,” said Cuzzetto. “They bring seniors and the whole community together with services, activities and programs that make sure our seniors stay connected all year long.”

The investment of up to $15 million is an increase of close to 10% 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.

The call for proposals is now open to eligible organizations until September 12, 2024, at 5 p.m. In addition to municipalities, other local and community-based organizations such as Legions, Lion’s Clubs, and recreational clubs, are now welcome to apply.

The Ministry is conducting information webinars for those interested in submitting a call for proposal. If you would like to learn more about the program and how to complete and submit your application, please register for one of the dates below:

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.

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