Seven Organizations Funded a Total of $250,000 For Senior Healthy and Independent Living

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As part of Seniors Month, the Ontario government has invested $250,000 in seven organizations throughout Peterborough-Kawartha to help seniors increase independence, reduce social isolation and create positive connections, announced at the Activity Haven Senior Centre on Monday afternoon.

(From left to right) Councillor Dave Haacke; Bonnie Clarke, Peterborough County Warden; Raymond Cho; Minister for Seniors and Accessibility; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Mark Tinkler, Activity Haven board president. The government is investing $7 million in the SCGP this year to protect seniors and older adults by supporting over 330 community projects that help them to stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Seniors are the backbone of our community, and ensuring they have the resources to live healthy, independent, and connected lives is a top priority," said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This $250,000 investment through the Seniors Community Grant Program will directly support vital local initiatives, from social drop-in programs to fitness classes and intergenerational mentorship, allowing our seniors to thrive right here in Peterborough-Kawartha.”

These projects are part of the Seniors Community Grant Program (SCGP). Their recipients can receive up to $25,000 to support local programs, services and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. This year’s investment includes an additional $1 million, specifically for programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for senior veterans.

One of the projects is going towards the Activity Haven Senior Centre and its newly-initiated ‘Lift for Life” program.

“Our members will have the opportunity to work with the experts at Trent Health In Motion to improve their life and well-being following a very valuable program to address osteoporosis,” said Mark Tinkler, Activity Haven board president.

The following are the supported organizations:

  • The Township of Selwyn Public Library has been awarded $21,570 for its ‘Building Connections: Senior Social Drop-In Program.’

  • Activity Haven Senior Centre (Peterborough) Inc. will receive $23,755 for its ‘Lift For Life’

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough is being granted $24,900 for its ‘Big G Mentor Together Project.’

  • The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton will receive $23,351 for ‘The Social and Night Out Program.’

  • Havelock Belmont Methuen Seniors is being awarded $25,000 for ‘Seniors Tech Connect.’

  • Peterborough New Horizons Bands will receive $4,730 to ‘Support for Members.’

  • VON Peterborough Victoria Haliburton is being granted $12,815 for their Wellness in Aging Program

“Amid economic uncertainty and rising costs, Premier Ford and our government are proud to protect our seniors and ensure they have access to affordable and reliable community supports,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “The Seniors Community Grant Program is a critical lifeline in every corner of our province for seniors to learn new skills, get fit, enjoy group activities and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”

According to a press release, the Ontario government is supporting over 100 Seniors Active Living Fairs expected to take place in 2025-26, which will provide more opportunities for seniors to learn about supports and resources in their community.

“We're dependent on funding support from both the province and the City,” said Tinkler. “Getting grants like this is extremely valuable to be able to offer something like the 'Lift For Life' and all these other programs we provide; the government is invaluable and very supportive.”

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Canadian Government Invests Over $110,000 For Six Senior Support Projects in Peterborough

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The Canadian Government has invested $116,881 to fund six community-based senior support projects in Peterborough through the 2021–22 New Horizons for Seniors Program announced at the Activity Haven Senior Centre on Thursday.

Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera (left) with Lynne Bullard, Activity Haven board president (right) prior to the announcement. Seniors are considered one of Canada’s fastest-growing population groups, representing almost 25 per cent of the population by 2051 and could reach close to 11 million people within 15 years according to the Canadian Government. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera where $23,500 of that funding went towards the ‘Activity Haven In Motion’ program.

“Our government is committed to support such initiatives so they can continue to provide seniors with engaging activities to stay active, as well as increase their social participation so they can maintain a strong presence in their communities,” said Khera. “This is in addition to the steps we have taken to make life more affordable for seniors so they can pay for their daily expenses and have the quality of life they deserve.”

The Centre provides seniors with guided exercises, yoga sessions and lunch and learns events that promote the health and well-being of older adults.

“The New Horizons for Seniors Program has enabled us to partner with Trent Health in Motion to provide our members with a unique experience,” said Janet Buchanan, Activity Haven executive director. “The benefits of this program include improved strength, flexibility, endurance, mental health and socialization.”

Mayor Jeff Leal and Peterborough-Kawartha MP Michelle Ferrari were in attendance. The former also spoke after Minister Khera made her announcement.

“I am glad to see how the New Horizons for Seniors program is empowering seniors right here in Peterborough,” said Leal. “It’s our duty to support older adults and I encourage everyone in our community to get involved with Activity Haven Senior Centre to connect with other seniors, learn new skills and stay active.”

According to the Canadian Government, their national priorities focus on senior projects that:

  • support healthy aging;

  • prevent elder abuse;

  • celebrate diversity and promote inclusion; and

  • help seniors age in place.

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