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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City of Peterborough Accepting Applications For Low Income Senior & Low Income Property Tax Assistance

Applications are open for The City of Peterborbough Low-Income Senior & Low-Income Property Tax Assistance Program.

Qualifying applicants receive a $400 tax credit on their municipal property tax accounts to be applied to the February 2023 interim tax bill.  Anyone who previously received more than a $400 credit is grandfathered in at their higher credit amount. 

Property owners can apply under one of the following qualifications:

1. Low-Income Senior aged 65 years or older

2. Low-Income Senior aged 55-64 years of age

3. Low-Income Persons with a disability receiving benefits under the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Applications are available on the City’s website or at the City Hall Tax Office, 500 George St. N. Anyone that received tax credits this year, automatically receives a 2023 Property Tax Assistance application in the mail.

Feb. 10 is the deadline for submitting this application.

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Free Senior Skating Returns to Selwyn Township

With aid of returning sponsors, senior skating is a go with free admission for the Ennismore Community Centre and the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre through The Township of Selwyn.

FIle Photo.

With help from returning sponsors, The Gardens of Peterborough Retirement Communities and The Regency of Lakefield, admission fees for the season are covered to all senior public skates at the Ennismore and Lakefield arenas.

Senior skating is available every Monday at the Ennismore Community Centre from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and every Tuesday and Friday at the Lakefield-Smith Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for everyone 55+.

The first sponsored skate in Ennismore takes place next week Monday and skating will be offered on Mondays through to Mar. 27.

In Lakefield, the first sponsored skate takes placeon Tuesday. Skating is offered on Tuesdays and Fridays through to Mar. 31.

Visit the public skating schedule at www.selwyntownship.ca to learn more.

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Selwyn Township Cancels Senior Skating Indefinitely Due to Rising COVID-19 Cases

The free senior skating events at Lakefield-Smith and Ennismore Community Centres have been cancelled by the Selwyn Township due to the rising cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant announced Tuesday.

Stock Photo.

The Lakefield skating ran from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. Ennismore’s skating occurred every Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The township wants to reopen free skating to seniors next year if it is safe to do so according to their social media post but no specific timeframe has been given.

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Applications for Property Tax Assistance Program for Seniors now open

Applications are now available for the City of Peterborough Property Tax Assistance program for seniors and people with disabilities on low incomes.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Qualifying applicants will receive a $400 tax credit on their tax accounts which will be applied to the February 2022 interim tax bill. Applicants who previously received more than a $400 credit will be grandfathered in at their higher credit amount.

Applicants can apply under one of the following qualifications:

1. Low-income senior aged 65 years or older receiving benefits under the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Guaranteed Annual Income System.

2. Low-income senior aged 55-64 years of age with a combined taxable income of less than $30,000 per year.

3. A person with a disability on a low income receiving benefits under the ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)

Applications are available on the City’s website at www.peterborough.ca/TaxAssistance or at the City Hall Tax Office, 500 George St. N. Residents that received tax credits in 2021 will automatically receive a 2022 Property Tax Assistance application in the mail.

The deadline for submitting this application is February 11, 2022.

For further information refer to the City’s Property Tax Assistance Program on the City of Peterborough website or call the Tax Office at 705-742-7777 ext. 1865.

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Ontario Expands Paramedicine for Long-Term Care Program For Peterborough and Surrounding Area

The province’s community paramedicine for long-term care program is being expanded announced by the Ontario Government at the Peterborough County-City Paramedics on Thursday.

As of June 2021, more than 38,000 people were on the waitlist to access a long-term care bed in Ontario. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Seniors in our community deserve a patient-centred health care system; one that offers excellent, high-quality care in their homes, hospitals and long-term care facilities,” said MPP Dave Smith. “This new program will enable offer health care services in their homes, reduce emergency room visits and improve quality of life before they find a spot in long-term care.”

The program is already operational across 33 Ontario communities. It is being expanded to an additional 22 communities including Northumberland County, Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes. The program was first piloted across five communities in October 2020.

The program works alongside primary care and home and community care to provide the following services to eligible seniors: 

• Access to health services 24-7, through in-home and remote methods, such as online supports

• Non-emergency home visits and in-home testing procedures

• Ongoing monitoring of vital signs to prevent escalation of chronic medical conditions

• Assessments, referrals, diagnostic procedures and point-of-care testing

“To have this program be fully funded is great news”, said Warden, J. Murray Jones. “We have been strongly supporting this for a very long time. Our seniors community are our family members, our parents, our grandparents, and they deserve the best. We have the talent and skill and infrastructure that can provide access to 24-7 healthcare service that is second to none. Our seniors deserve to be able to stay home and have access to a health care system that puts them first.”

Early feedback from participating communities indicates a reduction in rates of hospital admissions and an increased integration with primary care according to the press release.

The program is fully funded by the provincial government and is operated in partnership with municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards.

“Community Paramedic programs have demonstrated that they are scalable and sustainable solutions which bridge identified gaps in care locally,” said Paramedic Chief Randy Mellow. “This investment will support seniors by providing quality care and service needed to live longer and in the comfort of their homes. It will provide our seniors, their families and caregivers comfort and peace of mind they deserve while potentially delaying the need for long-term care.”

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Summit At Trent University To Explore Impact Of Technology On Delivery Of Health Care

The Peterborough Council on Aging's 2015 Seniors' Summit takes place Thursday, October 29th at Trent University's Gzowski College. The focus this year is on how technology is affecting our health care system and the aging population. Everyone is welcome but older adults and those who provide care and services to seniors will be particularly interested in this event.

“Technology is transforming our lives and the delivery of health care,” says Jenny Ingram, Co-Chair of the Peterborough Council on Aging. “This Summit has something for everyone. For seniors, it is an opportunity to bring in their tablets, smart phones and devices to learn how to make them work for you. For health care managers and businesses, the Summit will offer a glimpse into your future.”

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. October 29th with an Information Village. Attendees can visit exhibitors who display and demonstrate their technologies.

This is a hands-on event for people to experience technology and find out how they can use it.

In the afternoon, there are great speakers. For registration info, go here.
 

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