New provincial funding promises to keep older adults active, engaged and fit through community programs and services.
The City of Markham received $42,700 on July 17 from the 2023-24 Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) program to support the Markham Seniors Activity Centre, the main community hub for the volunteer-run Older Adults in Action (OAIA) club.
The SALC program promotes wellness, social interaction and education to help older adults stay active, independent and engaged. The funding will support part-time staff at the Activity Centre. Located at 22 Water St., it opened its doors in 1991 and has been a designated OAIA for more than 15 years.
“SALCs are a vital hub for connection, engagement and physical activity for our seniors,” says Markham-Stouffville MPP Paul Calandra. “This funding will help the Markham Seniors Activity Centre continue to provide a diverse range of activities, programs and services that support the wellbeing of seniors in Markham.”
The Markham centre has 15,000 square feet of space housing multi-purpose rooms and a gymnasium that’s used for exercise classes, yoga, snooker, Zumba, Latin line dance, bridge, arts and crafts, and more.
“The funds received will ensure Markham residents 55 or older can continue to stay active, engaged and fit through various programs offered at the Markham Seniors Activity Centre,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “I would also like to thank the OAIA board of directors for their steadfast commitment to improving the lives of our community members.”
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility oversees the Seniors Active Living Centres Act, 2017 (SALCA) and SALC programs delivered across Ontario. It supports about 300 programs at centres that serve as hubs in their communities.
“The Seniors Active Living Centre program funded by the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to the Markham Seniors Activity Centre continues to be a vital and positive part in helping to engage seniors and promote wellness,” says Markham-Unionville MP Billy Pang. “I am glad that 80 per cent of the funding needed for programs like this comes from the Ontario government to provide seniors with supports to stay active, healthy and socially connected.”
Photo: Local dignitaries and Older Adults in Action board members celebrate a July 17 funding announcement at the Markham Seniors Activity Centre. (City of Markham photo)
