Province investing in Essex County seniors

Amherstburg and Kingsville will be gaining new Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) programs.

Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho announced Wednesday that the two municipalities would be split $100,000 to help improve the quality of life for area seniors.

“These new Seniors Active Living Centres let our seniors stay fit, active, healthy, and socially connected so they can continue to live independent lives,” Cho said.

Essex MPP Anthony Leardi said he was “delighted” about the investment while Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie was excited about the benefits that local seniors would see.

“Seniors from all corners of Essex County seek out opportunities to be active and engaged, and bringing Seniors Active Living Centres to Amherstburg and Kingsville will benefit our entire region,” Dowie noted.

The mayors of Kingsville and Amherstburg both expressed how grateful they are to be able to offer more opportunities to those aged 55 and older.

“This Seniors Active Living Centre will provide programs to promote wellness, social interaction and education to reduce isolation and help seniors stay active, independent and engaged in our community now and into the future,” said Amherstburg’s Mayor Michael Prue. “This commitment underscores the importance of investing in the well-being and quality of life of our seniors, who have contributed so much to our community’s growth and prosperity.”

There are almost 300 programs available across Ontario, each one designed to tailor to the unique needs of local residents. Those programs can include:

• arts and culture programs

• book clubs

• fitness centre and classes

• health and wellness services

• lifelong learning classes

• multicultural social groups

• recreation and leisure activities

• special events

• travel

There are now 316 Seniors Active Living Centre programs across the province.