Funding Expansion Supports More Than 400 Programs Across Ontario
The Ontario government is investing $22.8 million in Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) programs as the province marks 60 years of supporting services aimed at helping older adults remain active, healthy and socially connected in their communities.
The funding announcement was made Friday at Life After Fifty in Windsor, one of Ontario’s earliest active living centres, and comes ahead of Seniors Month celebrations across the province in June.
According to the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, the investment will support more than 400 SALC programs provincewide, continuing Ontario’s efforts to expand access to community-based services for seniors amid rising demand linked to an aging population.
Province Highlights Long-Term Support for Aging in Place
Ontario’s Seniors Active Living Centre programs provide recreational, social and wellness-focused activities designed to help older adults maintain independence while remaining connected to their local communities.
Programs are delivered through partnerships with municipalities, charities, Indigenous groups, Legions, Lions Clubs, recreational organizations and non-profit corporations.
“I am so pleased to celebrate this at Life After Fifty in Windsor. In many ways, the concept of seniors active living centres all got started here,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are proud of our investments in Seniors Active Living Centres programs over the past six decades, which are expanding services, keeping our seniors fit, active, healthy, socially connected, close to their homes and in their communities.”
The province said there are currently 416 SALC programs operating across Ontario.
The latest funding announcement builds on a previously announced $17 million funding increase introduced in 2024 over a three-year period. That investment supported the creation of more than 100 new SALC locations and represented the largest single-year SALC funding increase by any Ontario government, according to the province.
Windsor Centre Recognized as Early Program Leader
Provincial officials used the Windsor announcement to recognize the longstanding role of Life After Fifty, which was among the first organizations to receive provincial support under the SALC model.
“Life After Fifty holds the distinction of being one of the first Seniors Active Living Centre programs funded by the Government of Ontario, supporting older adults in staying active, connected, and engaged in our community,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh. “I am proud to join Life After Fifty in celebrating 60 years of service and this significant milestone, while recognizing the contributions of Windsor’s seniors in building the strong community we enjoy today and promoting health, independence, and well-being.”
The Windsor-based organization has become a longstanding community hub for older adults, offering programs focused on physical activity, social engagement and wellness support.
Tom Wilson, executive director of Life After Fifty, said the continued provincial partnership remains critical to supporting older residents.
“For 60 years, Life After Fifty has been proud to partner with the Province of Ontario to support older adults in living active, connected, and independent lives,” said Tom Wilson, Executive Director, Life After Fifty in Windsor. “This anniversary is both a celebration of our shared history and a reminder of the importance of continued investment in programs that strengthen our communities. We are grateful for this enduring partnership and excited for the work that lies ahead!”
Aging Population Continues to Drive Demand for Community Programs
Ontario’s investment comes as municipalities and healthcare systems face increasing pressure to support a growing senior population while reducing strain on hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Programs that promote healthy aging and social engagement are increasingly viewed as part of broader preventative healthcare strategies, helping older adults maintain independence and reduce isolation.
Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex, said the expansion of SALC programs reflects the province’s continued emphasis on supporting seniors’ quality of life.
“Congratulations to Life After Fifty on 60 fantastic years of keeping seniors connected, active, and healthy,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP – Essex, “I’m proud to be part of the movement with Seniors Active Living Centre programs in Essex County. Let’s keep the ball rolling, and continue living healthy, fulfilling lives.”
Increased Funding Available for Local Programs
Under the updated funding framework, SALC programs can now request up to $55,000 for maintenance and operating costs. That amount represents an increase from $42,700 in 2023 and $50,000 in 2024.
The province said the higher funding levels are intended to help organizations expand programming capacity while addressing rising operational costs.
Ontario’s SALC network remains one of the province’s primary community-based support systems for seniors, particularly in smaller municipalities and regional communities where access to recreational and wellness programming can be more limited.
As Ontario enters Seniors Month, provincial officials say the latest investment reflects a broader strategy focused on helping older adults remain active, connected and independent while continuing to participate fully in community life.