Keeping Seniors Healthy, Safe and Active in Uxbridge

 More Community Support for Seniors Across the Province 

Uxbridge — Ontario is committed to helping seniors stay healthy, safe and socially connected. Today, Pickering-Uxbridge MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy announced that the provincial government is providing $11,815 to support educational sessions for seniors in Uxbridge, through the Seniors CommuniTEA Program. 

“Our government is working hard to provide the support seniors expect and deserve,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “Today’s announcement will go a long way in improving the well-being of seniors both here in Uxbridge and across Ontario.” 

This funding is part of a broader, province-wide investment of $3 million in more than 260 projects that will benefit seniors in Uxbridge and other communities across the province through the Seniors Community Grant Program. 

“Funding the CommuniTEA program enables the Township to provide new programming and additional social opportunities for seniors. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about the needs of our seniors’ community and engage with them on issues that matter to them,” said Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton. “This is an exciting program and I look forward to seeing it get underway. Thank-you to Minister Cho and MPP Bethlenfalvy for supporting our residents of all ages in the Township of Uxbridge.” 

Many seniors face challenges accessing programs and services that support their safety and their mental and physical health. Investing in seniors’ overall well-being brings positive benefits that help keep seniors healthy and out of the hospital. 

“I would like to congratulate all of the recipients of this year’s program. I am inspired by everyone’s commitment to help keep seniors active and socially engaged in communities across the province. This year’s funding will go a long way in helping seniors to access programs and services where they live,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Investing in seniors health and well-being also helps to keep seniors out of the hospital, reducing strain on the health care system.” 

This year’s program better supports the unique needs of seniors living in underserviced rural, remote, multicultural and Francophone communities, including: 

• Initiatives that focus on elder abuse; 
• Programs and services that help prevent social isolation; 
• Increasing accessibility and seniors’ safety; and 
• Activities that help keep seniors physically and socially active. 

“The assistance from the Province will allow us to move forward with our CommuniTEA program and expand engagement with and programs for seniors in the Township,” said Bruce Garrod, Uxbridge Councillor and a founding member of the Township Age Friendly Advisory Committee. “It helps us make one more step forward to being an age friendly community.” 

QUICK FACTS 

• The application period for the Seniors Community Grant Program opened on May 17, and closed on July 5, 2019. 
• Non-profit organizations received funding between $1,000 and $25,000 to co-ordinate and deliver local supports and programs in communities across the province. 
• The senior population in Ontario is the fastest growing age group. By 2023, there will be 3 million Ontarians over the age of 65. 
• Staying active brings positive health benefits and helps keep seniors out of the hospital. 

 

LEARN MORE 

• Seniors Community Grant Program 
• Seniors Active Living Centres 
• Age Friendly Communities 
• Ending Hallway Health Care 

 

MEDIA CONTACTS  Aleem Sufi, Constituency Office of Peter Bethlenfalvy  Aleem.sufi@pc.ola.org  905-391-7606