Ontario Supporting Seniors Active Living Centres in Whitby

WHITBY — Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
announced today that the Ontario government is investing another $25,000 to support
the Brooklin 55+ Recreation/Whitby Age Friendly Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC)
and Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre.

Each SALC will receive $12,500.

This funding is part of the $3.7 million being invested through the fourth and final
quarterly installment payment for this fiscal year to help centres deliver in-person and
virtual programs that help older adults aged 55 and older keep fit, healthy, active and
socially connected to their communities.

“Our government is proud to invest in programs that support seniors in staying active,
healthy, and socially connected,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary
Assistant to the Premier. “The additional funding for the Brooklin 55+ Recreation/Whitby
Age-Friendly Seniors Active Living Centre and the Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre will
help ensure these vital community hubs continue to offer the programs and services
that enhance the quality of life for older adults in our community.”

The government’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement increased base funding for all Seniors
Active Living Centres for this coming year, from up to $42,700 to up to $55,000 to
ensure centres have the support they need to continue providing seniors services and
activities. The funding is provided to centres in four equal quarterly payments each year.
“This year, we have increased our investment in Seniors Active Living Centres by
almost one million dollars over last year, to provide seniors with more opportunities to
access programs and supports,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and
Accessibility. “Our government continues to invest in Seniors Active Living Centre
programs that are improving the health and well-being of Ontario’s aging population.”

Due to the success of Seniors Active Living Centres, the government is investing up to
an additional $17 million to expand the number of SALCs by 100 across Ontario from
316 to 416 beginning in 2024-25. This will increase services for seniors and those with
disabilities in underserved communities. A call for proposals was launched in July 2024
and the successful new SALC recipients will be announced starting in early 2025.
These initiatives demonstrate the many ways the province is meeting the needs of
Ontario’s seniors with better supporting services and activities at the local level.
“We are grateful for this funding from the Province of Ontario, which will allow us to
enhance programs and services at Whitby’s 55+ Centre. This investment recognizes the
important role our older adults play in shaping our community and helps ensure they
have the resources and opportunities to stay active, engaged, and connected. Together,
we’re building a more inclusive and supportive Whitby for everyone.”

– Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby

QUICK FACTS
▪ The funding announced today comes from an annual investment of more than
$15 million that is being allocated in quarterly payments to all existing SALC
programs by the end of the 2024 fiscal year.
▪ Additional funding of $17 million over three years for supporting SALC programs
was approved in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement.
▪ In 2023, SALCs received base funding of up to $42, 700. This was increased to
up to $50, 000 in 2024.
▪ This year, 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 maintenance and operating funding from 2023.