Council here has agreed to provide financial and in-kind support for a plan to secure funding for additional programming through the local Seniors Centre for Excellence.
At the March 6 Minto council meeting, local seniors health services co-ordinator Helen Edwards explained the provincial government plans to expand the Seniors’ Active Living program by up to 40 new centres and has proposed an $8-million dollar investment over the next three years.
Municipalities are identified as key partners and the program requires that seniors centres work with municipalities to offer a minimum of 20% of the annual cost of maintaining and operating the program. The contribution can be cash, in kind or a combination. Centres can work with more than one municipality as long as they are neighbouring.
The centre operates a number of programs that run in Minto, including congregate dining, walking, line dancing, leaf clean up and snow removal with local youth, yoga, art workshops, euchre, brokered homemaking and various special events and workshops.
Edwards told council new programs created through additional grant funding would focus on social isolation and loneliness among seniors.
In order to obtain the maxim amount of provincial funding, Edwards explained, a municipal contribution of $42,500 would be required. Edwards said the centre is proposing that Mapleton Township host the program and offer back office support and space with a value of $10,000.
She noted Minto and Wellington North have higher number of seniors with higher participation rates and associated costs, so the centre is ask them to split the remaining $32,500. For Minto, she suggested a cash contribution of $5,530, plus facility usage valued at $10,320 at the Clifford Community Hall, Harriston Train Station, LaunchIt Minto office and Norgan Theatre.
At its Feb. 13 meeting, Mapleton council directed Edwards to approach neighourinug councils to request support for the proposal. Edwards said if Minto was agreeable, she would approach Wellington North council. A grant application will be completed if all municipal partners agree to move forward.
Minto council passed a resolution to accept Edwards’ report and provide the requested support.
