MPP Steve Pinsonneault announces a new Seniors Active Living Centre in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex

One of the new Seniors Active Living Centres Ontario is announcing to keep seniors fit, active and socially connected

NEWS

January 27, 2025

AILSA CRAIG – MPP Steve Pinsonneault announced the new Craigwiel Gardens Active Living Centre.

This is one of the up to 100 new SALC programs opening across the province this year to help improve seniors’ quality of life and build community engagement.

“The new Craigwiel Gardens Active Living Centre will provide seniors in Ailsa Craig with a welcoming space to stay healthy, engaged, and connected,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. “With a variety of activities and resources tailored to their needs, this centre will be a vital hub for enriching the lives of older adults in our rural community.”

Senior Active Living Centres keep our seniors fit, active, healthy, socially connected, in their communities and close to their homes.

“We are delighted to expand activities and services to more seniors in Ailsa Craig,” 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 and a variety of recreational and social activities including fitness, healthy lifestyle and wellness classes that are important supports in communities.

“The new Seniors Active Living Centre at Craigwiel Gardens in the village of Ailsa Craig will offer programs and services to support a predominantly rural municipality. It leverages the deep experience of the team in supporting older adults and seniors in five therapeutic domains: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social well-being. We are very pleased to be selected to receive this funding and we know it will have a significant impact on this community.” – Elaine Shantz, President and CEO of Craigwiel Gardens

The government remains committed to better supporting Ontario’s aging population and the people who care for them by improving and expanding supports 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 per cent 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

A guide to programs and services for seniors | ontario.ca

Seniors | ontario.ca

Find a Seniors Active Living Centre program near you | ontario.ca

-30-

CONTACT