Keeping older adults in Whitby fit, active, healthy, and socially connected
June 22, 2026
WHITBY – Today, Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, announced that the Brooklin Community Centre & Library Age-Friendly Programs and the Town of Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre are receiving $57,640 each in annual funding. The announcement was made during the 50th Anniversary Celebration for the Whitby Seniors’ Activity Centre.
“Our government recognizes the important role seniors play in Whitby and across Ontario,” 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. “By investing in programs at the Brooklin Community Centre & Library and the Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre, we are helping older adults remain active, socially connected, and engaged in the community they call home.”
This year, the Ontario government is investing a record amount of close to $23 million to support 416 Seniors Active Living Centre (SALCs) programs across the province, including 97 new ones.
“Senior Active Living Centres keep our seniors, fit, active, healthy, socially connected, close to their homes and in their communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Thanks to Premier Ford’s leadership our government is making the largest investment in Seniors Active Living Centre programs in Ontario’s history. This will help even more seniors, no matter where they live, including those in a city or rural, remote and northern communities live more healthy, happy and independent lives.”
We are also proudly celebrating the 60th anniversary of the first six Elderly Persons’ Centres—now known as Seniors Active Living Centre programs—established under the Elderly Persons’ Centres Act, 1966.
That’s six decades of expanding access to programs that help more seniors stay active, healthy, and socially connected, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
The Ontario government is focused on helping seniors stay socially connected, engaged in their communities, and closer to home, supporting a happier and higher quality of life.
Whitby is home to many outstanding seniors who make a lasting difference in our community. This year, residents are especially proud to celebrate Eva Reti, recipient of Ontario’s 2026 Senior of the Year Award, in recognition of her exceptional contributions and commitment to service through Whitby Hospice – Roger Anderson House and other initiatives.
Since 2018, the Government of Ontario has provided nearly eight-hundred and fifty-thousand dollars to the Brooklin Community Centre & Library Age-Friendly Programs and the Town of Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre through the SALC program.
Quick Facts
· There are now 416 Seniors Active Living Centres in Ontario.
· Ontario now invests up to $55, 000 for each Seniors Active Living Centre.That’s up from $50,000 last year and $42,700 the year before for operations and maintenance.
· In 2024, SALCs received their very first funding increase in 15 years. · For more information please visit the Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) program.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-1141