Investment part of historic number of community programs and active living centres funded to support healthy and socially connected living
TECUMSEH — The Ontario government is investing over $55,000 in 3 senior community projects in Windsor–Tecumseh. Funding is part of the Seniors Community Grant Program (SCGP), which is designed to help seniors increase independence, reduce social isolation and create positive connections. The SCGP is being delivered alongside a suite of supports as Ontario marks Seniors Month.
“Seniors in our community often face complex challenges—from social isolation and mobility issues to financial insecurity,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh. “That’s why this investment is so important. These programs provide vital supports that help older adults stay connected, safe, and engaged. I’m grateful to the organizations delivering these services and proud to see our government taking meaningful steps to improve the quality of life for local seniors.”
The programs included in this funding are:
| Organization | Funding Amount | Description |
| The Town of Tecumseh: Thrive Together! | $15,000 | This project will enhance senior wellness in Tecumseh through the Thrive Together! program, offering virtual and in-person fitness, social events, and workshops to reduce isolation and promote active, healthy aging. |
| Family Services Windsor Essex: Elder Abuse, Awareness and Recognition Project | $15,250 | This project will train CRA volunteers to provide tax services for low-income seniors while promoting elder abuse prevention through accessible information, empowering seniors with knowledge to enhance their safety, well-being, and financial security. |
| VON: Project Mobility Matters | $24, 891 | This project aims to support aging well and fall prevention by training a network of volunteer mentors, drawn from post-secondary schools, local residences and community groups, to motivate 300 older adults to regularly screen their mobility and to engage in exercise programs that focus on preventing falls. |
The government is investing $7 million in the SCGP this year to protect seniors and older adults by supporting over 330 community projects that help them to stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected. SCGP recipients can receive up to $25,000 to support local programs, services and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. This year’s investment includes an additional $1 million, specifically for programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for senior veterans.
Ontario is also expanding Seniors Active Living Centres (SALCs) to over 400 sites to increase access to services that connect seniors to activities and programs close to home. The centres promote wellness, encourage social interaction, and combat ageism to help seniors stay active, independent and engaged within their communities.
“Amid economic uncertainty and rising costs, Premier Ford and our government are proud to protect our seniors and ensure they have access to affordable and reliable community supports,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “The Seniors Community Grant Program is a critical lifeline in every corner of our province for seniors to learn new skills, get fit, enjoy group activities and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”
Finally, the government is supporting the over 100 Seniors Active Living Fairs expected to take place in 2025-26 which will provide more opportunities for seniors to learn about supports and resources in their community.
QUOTES
“This investment will enable Family Services Windsor-Essex to improve access to critical information about elder abuse and provide specialized training to tax volunteers on recognizing potential signs and understanding pathways to crisis intervention. On behalf of FSWE, we are deeply grateful to the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility for this support, and we look forward to launching this important initiative.”
Ciara Holmes, Acting Executive Director
Family Services Windsor–Essex
“We are deeply grateful for this investment in our community. The Thrive Together! program represents our ongoing commitment to supporting the health, well-being, and social inclusion of older adults in Tecumseh. With the support of the Ontario government, we are able to expand vital programs that help our seniors remain active, connected, and independent. These initiatives speak to the strength of our community and the value we place on ensuring every resident has the opportunity to thrive at every stage of life.”
Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh
“At VON, we provide care that helps our senior clients stay healthy, live well and remain active and socially engaged in their homes and communities, where they want to be. We are grateful for this Seniors Community Grant funding, as it will enable us to increase our fall prevention work in the community by training volunteers to empower older adults to improve their mobility and prevent falls through exercise.”
Nicole Hunter, Manager, Home and Community Care
Erie St. Clair – Southwest Region
QUICK FACTS
- See the full list of 2025-26 Seniors Community Grants.
- To find a SALC near you, visit this link.
- Ontario’s 2025-26 Budget increased funding for the Seniors Community Grant Program by an additional $1 million, with special focus on supporting Ontario’s veterans.
- The number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly, from 2.8 million or 18.4 per cent of population in 2022, to 4.4 million, or 20.3 per cent by 2046.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors
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