MPP Clark announces new Seniors Active Living Centre

Ontario providing $40,000 to create the Golden Years Program in Rideau Lakes Township

Brockville – Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes announced the Ontario government is providing $40,000 to create a new Seniors Active Living Centre in the Township of Rideau Lakes.

The Golden Years Program is one of up to 100 new Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) programs opening across the province this year to help improve seniors’ quality of life while building a stronger connection for seniors to their community.

“I’m a strong supporter of the Seniors Active Living Centre program because I’ve seen the difference they have made in the lives of seniors in communities across Leeds and Grenville. So, I’m thrilled to be able to announce this expansion of the program into Rideau Lakes,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “The Golden Years Program will offer seniors from the entire community the opportunity to stay fit, active, healthy, and socially connected through a wide variety of activities.”

The Golden Years Program will provide funding to the township’s seven Community Enhancement Committees (CEC). With the SALC Grant, the committees will be able to provide more programs geared to seniors, while also helping connect them with resources in the community.

“We are delighted to expand activities and services to more seniors in Rideau Lakes Township,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “This program will help older adults of all abilities to thrive in their homes and communities.”

SALC programs offer seniors and older adults learning opportunities such as financial management and elder abuse prevention along with a variety of recreational and social activities, including fitness, healthy lifestyle and wellness classes. The government remains committed to better supporting Ontario’s aging population and the people who care for them by improving and expanding support for seniors no matter where they live.

QUICK FACTS

• On June 1, 2024, changes to the Seniors Active Living Centres Act, 2017 came into effect allowing more types of organizations to provide the 20 percent contribution requirement towards SALC programs’ operating costs. Now SALC programs can be operated by municipalities, non-profit corporations, registered charities, Indigenous groups, Legions, Lions Clubs and recreational clubs.
• In the Fall Economic Statement of 2024, a $17 million increase in funding over three years was approved to support up to 100 new Seniors Active Living Centres.
• For 2025-26, SALC programs will be able to request up to $55,000 for maintenance and operating costs, an increase from the previous maximum of $50,000 in 2024 and up from $42,700 in base funding from 2023.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors
• Ontario.ca/seniors
• SALC program search tool