Province Highlights Investments in Community Programs to Help Seniors Stay Active and Connected
Funding Supports Nearly 100 New Seniors Active Living Centre Programs Across Ontario
The Ontario government is marking Seniors Month by reaffirming its support for older adults through continued investments in community-based programs designed to help seniors remain active, socially connected and independent.
Announced by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility on June 1, the province said it is investing up to $22.8 million in more than 400 Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) programs across Ontario. The funding includes support for nearly 100 new programs approved during the 2024-25 period, expanding access to local services and recreational opportunities for seniors across the province.
This year’s Seniors Month theme, Ontario Seniors – Let’s Get Moving, is intended to promote healthy and active lifestyles among older residents while recognizing the role seniors continue to play in communities throughout Ontario.
“Seniors Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of our seniors, giving them the dignity and respect they deserve every day,” said Raymond Cho. “Our government is continuing to support seniors across the province by ensuring they have access to affordable, reliable community programs and services that help them stay active, connected and independent.”
The province said the investment reflects its broader effort to help seniors remain socially engaged and maintain access to programs close to home. Seniors Active Living Centres offer a range of activities and services aimed at improving physical health, reducing social isolation and supporting overall well-being.
Programs commonly include fitness and wellness classes, educational workshops, social events and recreational activities tailored to older adults. The government said expanding access to these centres is intended to strengthen community participation while helping seniors maintain independence longer.
Seniors Active Living Centres Mark 60 Years of Service
The announcement also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Seniors Active Living Centre program model in Ontario.
The centres were originally established under the Elderly Persons’ Centres Act, 1966, legislation that laid the foundation for community-based support programs for older adults across the province. According to the ministry, the initiative has played a longstanding role in promoting healthy aging and community engagement among seniors for six decades.
The government said the centres continue to provide important support networks for older Ontarians by creating opportunities for social interaction and community involvement.
Five of the first six Elderly Persons’ Centres that received grants under the original legislation are still operating today as Seniors Active Living Centre programs, underscoring the long-term role the initiative has played in Ontario communities.
Province Continues Recognition Programs for Seniors
As part of Seniors Month activities, Ontario will also host its annual Ontario Senior Achievement Award ceremony later this month to honour recipients of the 2025 awards.
The province currently operates two senior-focused recognition programs designed to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older adults. Nominations for both award programs remain open year-round.
The ministry also highlighted ongoing outreach efforts through Seniors Active Living Fairs (SALFs), which provide information and resources to older residents. Ontario held 104 Seniors Active Living Fairs during the 2025-26 period in partnership with the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO).
The fairs are intended to connect seniors with available programs, community supports and services that can assist with active living and independent aging.
Ontario’s aging population continues to place greater focus on community-based services that support seniors’ health, mobility and social participation. The province said its continued investment in active living programs is intended to ensure older adults have access to affordable and accessible services in communities across Ontario.
With Seniors Month underway, the government is encouraging Ontarians to recognize the contributions seniors have made to the province while supporting initiatives that promote healthy and active aging.