Bruce, Grey, and Owen Sound seniors will soon benefit from new programs and initiatives designed to promote healthy, active living and community connection, thanks to new funding from the Province of Ontario.
Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers announced that three projects in the region will receive funding through the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility’s Seniors Community Grant Program (SCGP).
The Town of Hanover will receive $9,241 to host an Active Aging Expo, a one-day event featuring booths, keynote speakers, entertainment, and volunteer opportunities aimed at connecting seniors with resources and social networks.
Meanwhile, the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation Housing Department has been awarded $25,000 for a community-driven mural project at its Seniors' Apartment Complex. Seniors will work alongside local artists to beautify their living spaces and leave a lasting mark for future residents.
"We are so honoured to have been selected for this grant. The Seniors residing in our Seniors Apartment Complex are thrilled to be able to participate in beautifying the complex for themselves and future tenants," said Sarah Chegahno, Manager of Housing with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. "We look forward to inviting all Community Elders to have the opportunity to leave their mark on the building through art."
The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey-Bruce will also receive $25,000 for its Thrive Together Social & Fitness Workshops for Older Adults. The project will expand fitness and wellness workshops focused on mobility, injury prevention, and social connection, with outreach tailored for rural communities, newcomers, and seniors facing barriers to participation.
"Active seniors are healthy seniors, and seniors who are connected to their community are happy seniors," said Vickers. "I am pleased to see these organizations receive this funding, so they can continue to serve local seniors with a variety of activities and service. Of course, I am grateful to Minister Raymond Cho for seeing the potential of these programs in our community."
In total, the province is investing $7 million across 330 projects this year through the SCGP, with individual grants of up to $25,000.
The program is designed to help seniors stay active, independent, and socially connected within their communities.