Now accepting applications for age-friendly community projects

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO SENIORS' SECRETARIAT

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Program Helps Communities Address the Needs of an Aging Population

Ontario is accepting applications to help communities address the needs of an aging population through the new Age-Friendly Community Planning Grant Program.

Part of Ontario's Action Plan for Seniors, the program provides municipalities with funding to plan services and programs that help seniors live in a secure environment, enjoy good health and participate more fully in their communities.

Age-friendly planning can help communities assess their needs and can eventually lead to local improvements such as installing automatic doors, adding benches in parks and roadways, increasing accessibility of retail centres and installing count-down timers at crosswalks.

Building strong communities for seniors is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario.

The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, support environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.

Quotes

"In order to respond to the needs of an aging population, communities need to be fully equipped with the right plan and the right tools. Through the new Age-Friendly Community Planning Grant Program we will continue to work with municipalities, seniors’ organizations, and other local partners to help ensure that communities are designed with seniors in mind," said Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs.

"Our government knows how important it is to keep our seniors healthy, active and independent. Our Age-Friendly Community Planning Grant Program is another way we’re working hard to ensure that our seniors have the programs and services they need and want," said Deb Matthews, MPP, London North Centre.

"This city recognizes the importance of making our community socially and physically accessible and inclusive. We’re pleased that the Ontario government is encouraging all communities across the province to take similar steps forward, ensuring seniors remain safe and engaged in community life," said Joni Baechler, Mayor, City of London.

Quick Facts

• By 2016, for the first time, people over 65 will account for a larger share of the population than children aged 0-14.
• Ontario is investing $1.5 million in the Age-Friendly Community Grant Program, which will provide grants of up to $50,000 based on the size of the community the plan will serve.
• Applications are open to local governments and not-for-profit community organizations with the support of their local government, until January 30, 2015.

Learn More:

• About The Age-Friendly Community Planning Grant Program
• Age-Friendly Community Planning Grant Program Application and Guidelines.
• Read Finding the Right Fit: Ontario’s Age-Friendly Community Planning Guide.
• More about Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors.

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