Programs that will help keep local seniors safe, healthy and socially connected received a financial boost today.
Attorney general Doug Downey, who's also the MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte, was at the County of Simcoe Administration Building in Midhurst Thursday morning to announce the provincial funding.
The county and the Prevention of Senior Abuse Network of Simcoe County have received more than $21,000 to provide educational sessions and training to seniors in the region.
Downey explained why it was important to invest into the Seniors Community Grant Program.
“It touched everybody’s lives as we all have loved ones who are seniors and want them to live a safe, secure respectful life,” Downey said. “This is a large demographic, and a growing demographic, and they need to be supported.”The provincial government will spend $3 million on more than 260 projects that will benefit seniors throughout Ontario.
The program assists in the prevention of elder abuse and social isolation, as well as helping seniors become physically and socially active.
Simcoe County Warden George Cornell said taking care of the local seniors population is not only the right thing to do, but is also needed to prepare for the future growth.
“Simcoe County is home to a growing population of seniors, with 18 per cent of our residents currently over the age of 65,” said Cornell. “That percentage is set to double over the next 20 years.”
