Province invests $40,000 to launch Golden Years Program
SUBMITTED
Seniors in the Township of Rideau Lakes will soon have access to a new program aimed at improving their quality of life, thanks to a $40,000 investment from the Ontario government. Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, announced Jan. 24 that the funding will be used to create the Golden Years Program, a new Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) initiative in the community.
The Golden Years Program is part of a broader provincial effort to establish up to 100 new SALC programs this year, focusing on fostering social connections, encouraging physical activity, and enhancing overall well-being among seniors.
“I’m a strong supporter of the Seniors Active Living Centre program because I’ve seen the difference it makes in the lives of seniors across Leeds and Grenville,” said Clark. “The Golden Years Program will provide opportunities for seniors throughout Rideau Lakes to stay fit, active, healthy, and socially connected through a wide range of activities.”
The funding will benefit the township’s seven Community Enhancement Committees (CEC), which will use the grant to expand programming and connect seniors to valuable resources within the community.
Raymond Cho, Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, emphasized the program’s importance in supporting older adults across the province. “We are delighted to expand activities and services to more seniors in Rideau Lakes Township,” said Cho. “This program will help older adults of all abilities thrive in their homes and communities.”
The province recently introduced changes to the Seniors Active Living Centres Act, 2017, which came into effect on June 1, 2024. These changes allow a wider range of organizations, including Royal Canadian Legions, Lions Clubs, and recreational clubs, to contribute to the 20 per cent funding requirement for SALC operating costs.
Additionally, the Ontario government committed $17 million over three years in its 2024 Fall Economic Statement to support the creation of up to 100 new SALC programs. The base funding for SALC programs has steadily increased, with eligible centres now able to apply for up to $55,000 for maintenance and operating costs in 2025-26—up from $50,000 in 2024 and $42,700 in 2023.
SALC programs offer seniors access to recreational and social activities, such as fitness and wellness classes, as well as educational opportunities in financial management and elder abuse prevention.
The Golden Years Program is expected to begin operations later this year, offering enhanced support and engagement opportunities for seniors in Rideau Lakes Township.
Submitted by the office of Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds — Grenville — Thousand Islands, and Rideau Lakes
