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

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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Senior Skating Returns to Selwyn Township

Senior skating will take place in Lakefield and Ennismore starting next week.

File photo

Selwyn Township has announced the return of senior skating every Monday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Ennismore Community Centre and every Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre.

The skate is open to anyone aged 55+.

Selwyn Township also announced this year’s sponsors for the events.

The Regency of Lakefield will sponsor the Lakefield skates, covering the admission fees for the season, while Swish Maintenance and Blue Diamond Window Cleaning are teaming up to sponsor skating at the Ennismore rink, which is also free.

Senior skating starts next week and runs until the end of March 2025.

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Peterborough County Hubs Program Expands

The Peterborough County Hubs Program is now offering drop-in services in Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

Peterborough county logo

The new drop-in service, which started on Tuesday, gives rural residents access to supports related to health care, mental health, addictions, employment, developmental services, housing, income, senior services and more within their home community.

"The expansion of the Peterborough County Hubs Program is an important step in ensuring that all Peterborough City-County residents, no matter where they live, have easy access to the services and supports they need, said Peterborough city councillor Alex Bierk. “By bringing these services closer to home, we are removing barriers for communities across the region and making sure that residents can get help with everything from health care to employment services.”

The drop-in program has opened new hubs in several locations:

• Millbrook Hub at Old Millbrook School - open Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Havelock Hub at Havelock Community Care office - open Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Apsley Hub at Apsley Community Care office - open first and third Wednesday of each month 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Norwood Hub at Asphodel-Norwood Township Office - open Thursdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The program is a collaboration between the City/County Social Services administered by the City of Peterborough, Canopy Support Services, Canadian Mental Health Association - Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge and Fleming CREW and Academic Upgrading.

A staff person from of the agencies will be at the hubs when the open for drop-in service.

The program builds on the existing Peterborough County Hubs Program that has nine locations across the county in Keene, Warsaw, Douro, Buckhorn, Lakefield, Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

“Last year, I was proud to be at the launch of the eight Peterborough County Hubs which provided bookable space for social service providers to meet with clients,” said warden Bonnie Clark. “Local clients will now have the convenience to drop-in during office hours and not have to book an appointment. This pilot project brings social services access for our rural and small urban communities closer to parity with larger urban centres.”

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Free Senior Skating Available At Ennismore Community Centre After Township Acquires Two Sponsors

Free senior skating is back at the Ennismore Community Centre after Selwyn Township acquired Swish Maintenance and Blue Diamond Window Cleaning as sponsors.

File photo.

Senior Skating occurs every Monday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ennismore Community Centre for everyone aged 55+. The first sponsored skate takes place on Monday and runs through March 25.

Full skating schedules including public, parent and tot, and drop-in youth shinny hockey can be found online.

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

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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Age-friendly Peterborough Community Engagement Survey Now Open

The City of Peterborough is seeking public input on an update to the Age-friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan. The Community Engagement Survey is directed at older adults (ages 50+) who reside in the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, Curve Lake First Nation, and Hiawatha First Nation.

Stock photo.

The purpose of the survey is to receive community input and information to gauge how age-friendly the Peterborough region is today and how to make it more age-friendly in the future. The results will be incorporated into the new Community Action Plan for 2023-2025.

The first Age-friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan was launched in 2017 as a guide for Peterborough to become a thriving region that is inclusive, respectful, and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The goals of the plan are to ensure that older adults have their basic needs met, are able to get around the community, are supported to build relationships, and have the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute.

“The 2017 AFP Plan identified a clear path forward to enhance programs, services, and infrastructure to support healthy aging,” said Keith Riel, Chair of the Age-friendly Peterborough Advisory Committee, “It is important that we hear from older adults so we can incorporate their current needs into the new Community Action Plan.”

The survey can be found on the City’s public engagement website, Connect Peterborough at www.connectptbo.ca/age-friendly, along with the 2017 Community Action Plan, the 2020 Impact Report, and plans for additional public engagement opportunities.

The survey will be available until May 31.

Paper copies of the survey are available at Community Care offices and libraries. If you require assistance completing the survey or would like to request it in an alternative format, please call 705-748-8830 ext. 3624.

More information about Age-friendly Peterborough can be found at www.peterborough.ca/aging.

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Local World War Two Veteran Fred Allison Turns 100

Fred Allison, who now lives in Lakefield, turns 100 years old on Tuesday.

Allison is a ‘jack of all trades’, who likes to keep busy volunteering at local churches and helping his family and friends with odd jobs.

He enlisted in WW2 as a mechanic and travelled to places like Amsterdam and France fixing equipment along the way.

He believes the reason he is still able to live on his own, drive and work is thanks to the healthy habits he followed his whole life. In his 100 years of life Allison has never drank or smoked, quite a feat for someone that endured WW2.

Allison says he used to sell his rationed cigarettes to other soldiers and use the money to buy chocolates.

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Family Rallies Around Local Senior Who Fell Victim To $10,000 Scam

After a local senior fell victim to a scam that took $10,000 from him, his family is hoping to fundraise enough to restore his finances.

Photo courtesy of Tania Lamond.

In March, Darrell Lamond, 86, received a phone call from someone pretending to be his grandson crying and asking for money to cover a bails bond of $10,000 cash, according to family members.

Lamond’s grandson Carson was out of town for March break, so he thought he was in trouble and needed his help.

According to Lamond and his family the person on the phone sounded young and upset. The scammers informed him that on the drive the police had pulled them over on the way home and drugs had been found in the car. They said they needed the money to bail the friend out of jail and to keep Carson safe. The thieves convinced him that he was speaking with RCMP officers, and he was directed to go to his bank and get the money in cash and not tell anyone because there was a gag order in place.

A young black male came to Lamond’s residence to pick up the money and told him he would get his money back in a few days. When they did not return Lamond tried to phone them, with no answer.

The police have been notified, though it is believed scammers may have left town.

In hopes to recoup some funds lost during the scam Carson will be selling "I Love My Grandpa" t-shirts for $20 each, with proceeds from the t-shirts to help support his Grandpa Lamond.

To order a shirt email Carson Lamocars@gmail.com the t-shirt size (XS to 2XL), name, phone number and e transfer payment. Deadline for orders is April 9.

The family has also started a GoFundMe to help with funds.

Lamond’s daughter, Tania, notes that since his wife’s recent passing, his mind has been stressed and she believes that played a part in him falling prey.

In addition to the stress an heartache of loosing his wife, Lamond lives on a limited pension, has just paid for funeral expenses and is now out $10,000 in savings.

She hopes that in addition to easing the financial stress her father is going through, this GoFundMe will raise awareness of this scam and others like it, and encourage people to talk to seniors they know about how to protect themselves.

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Property Tax Relief For Low Income Seniors And Low Income Persons With Disabilities In County Of Peterborough

Peterborough County Council passed a by-law to allow for relief of a residential tax increase in 2022, 2023 or 2024 for Low Income Seniors and Low Income Persons with Disabilities.

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A Low Income Person with a Disability must submit an application with evidence of the receipt of benefits being paid under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997, or a disability amount paid under the Family Benefits Act (Ontario) or a person receiving a Canada Pension Plan Disabilities Pension, and be eligible to claim a disability amount as defined under the Income Tax Act (Canada).

A Low Income Senior who is 65 years of age or older as of December 31st of the previous year and is in receipt of benefits paid under the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), as established under the Old Age Security Act (Canada).

Applications may be filed by an eligible person to the Treasurer of one of the Lower-Tier municipalities for the purpose of receiving relief of a tax increase in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The owner or spouse of the owner or both must occupy the property as their principal residence for which the application for tax relief is made.

Applications may be filed by eligible individuals with the Treasurer of the applicants local municipality by Nov. 15, 2022 for tax relief in 2022.

Eligible property owners are entitled to tax relief provided that the said tax increase for any single year exceeds $50.00 to a maximum relief of up to $200.00 in any given year, which the Municipal Treasurer may approve or deny.

Application forms are available on the County website at http://ptbocounty.ca or by contacting your Municipal Treasurer at the local municipal office below:

• Township of Asphodel-Norwood 705-639-5343

• Township of Cavan Monaghan 705-932-2929

• Township of Douro-Dummer 705-652-8392

• Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen 705-778-2308

• Township of North Kawartha 705-656-4445

• Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan 705-295-6852

• Township of Selwyn 705-292-9507

• Municipality of Trent Lakes 705-738-3800

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