Friday, May 29, 2026
Ontario Investing Over $22 Million to Help Seniors Stay Active and Healthy
New investments come as Ontario celebrates 60 years of supporting Seniors Active Living Centres
The Ontario government is marking 60 years of supporting Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) programs with a new investment of $22.8 million to help seniors across the province stay active, healthy and socially connected. Announced at Life After Fifty in Windsor, one of the province’s first active living centres, this funding will support more than 400 SALC programs across Ontario, helping deliver the services and community connections seniors need to live healthier, more independent lives.
“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."
SALC programs deliver a range of initiatives designed to bring seniors together to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones, offering ongoing recreational, social, and lifestyle activities. The province partners with a range of organizations to deliver SALC programs, including municipalities, non-profit corporations, registered charities, Indigenous groups, Legions, Lions Clubs and recreational clubs.
“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.”
Today’s announcement comes as Ontario marks the beginning of Seniors Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments of older adults across the province and highlight the programs and services available to support their needs.
“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.”
Today’s announcement builds on the province’s historic $17 million funding increase in 2024, which supported the opening of more than 100 new Seniors Active Living Centre programs across Ontario, expanding access to programs and services that help seniors stay active, engaged and connected.
"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!"
Quick Facts:
- There are now 416 SALC programs in Ontario.
- In 2024-25, the SALC programming received a $17 million increase over three years.
- This new investment increased base funding and added 100 new Seniors Active Living Centre programs across Ontario and was the largest single year SALC Program investment by any government in Ontario’s history.
- SALC programs can request up to $55,000 for maintenance and operating costs, this is an increase from $42,700 in 2023, to $50,000 in 2024.
- SALC programs can be supported by municipalities, non-profit corporations, registered charities, Indigenous groups, Legions, Lions Clubs and recreational clubs.
Additional Resources:
Media Contacts:
Wallace Pidgeon
Minister’s Office
wallace.pidgeon@ontario.ca
Media Desk
Communications Branch
msaa.media@ontario.ca
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