Guelph-Eramosa Township wants to increase its older adult programming.
On Jan 15, parks and recreation director Robin Milne said the township had submitted a proposal for the Seniors Active Living Centres Program Expansion grant.
“Through this program, the Ministry of Seniors Affairs plans to expand the current network of seniors centres and the programs they offer in Ontario,” states Milne’s report to council.
“After the passing of the 2017 provincial budget, the government announced its desire to expand the seniors active living centres by up to 40 new programs through an $8 million investment over the next three years.”
The township originally requested funding when the older adult centre first opened in the Rockwood library in 2014. However, the municipality was put on a wait list.
This year Guelph-Eramosa has applied for regular annual funding of $42,700. The grant would pay for a part-time community program assistant.
“This position would be responsible for the physical set up and delivery of our programs and would work within various municipal locations within the township that correspond with the location of the programming being offered,” Milne told council.
The part-time community program assistant would also be a “physical presence” at the Royal Distributing Athletic Performance Centre and in the park in the summer to help with the equipment loan program, Milne explained.
However, he made it clear the position is dependent on grant success.
“It’s important to note that if we’re unsuccessful with the funding for this that obviously that position would go away,” Milne said. “That’s not a position that we entertain moving forward.”
Councillor Corey Woods said he’s concerned the municipality will hire somebody and then the funding “dries up.”
Milne said, “It would have to be like a contract position and it would be a year-to-year contract position and it’s really only 20 hours a week, which is still a substantial amount … it’s essentially doubling our workforce in terms of senior programming.”
However, Mayor Chris White said that’s one of the risks.
“I think if we did get anywhere with the funding stream it’s harder for the province to pull, especially in this demographic when they’re trying to do something,” he said.
The grant would also cover promotion, fitness equipment, guest speakers and presenters.
Milne explained the over-55 population has been steadily growing in Guelph-Eramosa and in five years almost half of township residents will be over 55.
“As a parks and rec department that offers programming, we want to be ready for that group of older adults when they’re looking for their recreational needs,” Milne said.
“I think council understands the demand for programming from residents that are moving from larger urban centres into our township.”
White commended the development of the seniors program over the last five years.
“It’s gone from zip to programs they really appreciate,” he said. “It keeps them in the community, it keeps them local and if this is funded by a grant … it continues to build out that puzzle of community services so the seniors don’t have to … go to Guelph.”
Milne anticipates he’ll know if the township was successful in earning the grant by mid-February.
