Ontario invests in services and activities helping seniors stay active and socially connected.
News July 3, 2026
WHITBY — Today, MPP Coe announced that the Abilities Centre and the Regional Municipality of Durham have received a $25,000 Seniors Community Grant, bringing seniors together in the Falls Prevention Exercise and Education Program, and the Seniors Empowerment and Connections Project.
The Abilities Centre will use their grant to provide education and exercise training to decrease fall risk and hospitalization. Abilities Centre’s Fall Prevention program is an 8- to 12-week exercise and education program for seniors at risk of falls, delivered twice weekly in hour-long small-group training sessions, supported by education sessions.
Falls affect up to 30% of the population each year, placing a large burden on the Canadian healthcare system. With 85% of injury-related hospitalization and 95% of hip fractures due to falls, reducing fall risk is critical to support an aging population and the Canadian healthcare system.
The Regional Municipality of Durham will use their grant for the Seniors Empowerment and Connections Project; which is seeking to engage and empower older adults including veterans and persons from equity-deserving groups across Durham Region, by offering culturally responsive social programming to strengthen relationships and foster new connections. The project will also promote safety and strengthen financial, health and mental well-being, and will offer trauma-informed workshops on elder abuse awareness and online/cyber safety.
“Seniors have made lasting contributions to our community, and they deserve opportunities to stay engaged, active and connected,” said Lorne Coe, MPP Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security. “These investments in the Abilities Centre and the Regional Municipality of Durham will help reduce social isolation, promote healthy living and ensure more seniors can participate fully in community life.”
“Abilities Centre has become a hub for health and wellness within the aging community of Durham Region,” said Michael Cvitkovic, President and Chief Executive Officer, Abilities Centre. “This grant, through the Government of Ontario, will continue our important work and shows the commitment by the Province of improving the lives of a growing population.”
“We appreciate the Province’s support for this important initiative, which will help more older adults across Durham Region stay connected, informed and engaged,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham. “The Seniors Empowerment and Connections Project will create meaningful opportunities for social connection, learning and community participation, helping seniors remain active and engaged in community life.”
The Ontario government is investing up to $7 million for more than 320 Seniors Community Grants helping seniors and stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected, close to home and in their communities.
“The Seniors Community Grants Program is a great example of how our government is working for local communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are pleased to provide investments for so many services and activities that bring seniors together, learn new skills, get fit, and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”
Up to $25,000 per project is invested in local services, activities and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. The Seniors Community Grants is a unique Ontario government grant designed to reduce social isolation, fight ageism and create positive connections.
Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $40 million dollars in over 2,100 Seniors Community Grants.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-114