City of Markham receives provincial funding to support Markham Seniors Activity Centre

$42,700 to go towards growing demand of services for seniors in Markham

MARKHAM, ON – July 17, 2023 – The City of Markham is pleased to announce it has received $42,700 from the Ontario government to support the Markham Seniors Activity Centre, the main community hub for the Older Adults in Action (OAIA) club.

The province is providing the funds through its 2023-24 Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) program which promotes wellness, social interaction and education to help seniors stay active, independent and engaged. The funding received by the City of Markham will go towards supporting part-time staff who are vital in delivering quality services at the Markham Seniors Activity Centre.

The Centre, located at 22 Water Street, opened its doors in 1991 and is now home to the volunteer run OAIA club that offers various activities for adults 55 or older. The facility, which has 15,000 square feet of space housing multi-purpose rooms and a gymnasium, is used for activities such as exercise classes, yoga, snooker, Zumba, Latin line dance, bridge and much more.

The Markham Seniors Activity Centre has been designated as an Ontario Seniors Active Living Centre for more than 15 years.

Quotes

“We are thankful for the support of the provincial government to better connect older adults with community programs and services in Markham. The funds received today will ensure Markham residents 55 or older can continue to stay active, engaged and fit through various programs offered at the Markham Seniors Activity Centre. I would also like to thank the Older Adults in Action board of directors for their steadfast commitment to improving the lives of our community members.”

– His Worship Frank Scarpitti, Markham Mayor

“Seniors Active Living Centres are the community connection for seniors all across Ontario, keeping seniors fit, active, healthy and socially connected. In Markham Unionville, MPP Billy Pang is making sure the Markham Seniors Active Living Centres provides seniors programs and services close to home and in our communities.”

– Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility

"The Seniors Active Living Centre program funded by the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to the Markham Seniors Activity Centre continues to be a vital and positive part in helping to engage seniors and promote wellness. I am glad that 80% of the funding needed for programs like this comes from the Ontario Government to provide seniors with supports to stay active, healthy, and socially connected."

– Billy Pang, Member of Provincial Parliament for Markham – Unionville

“Seniors Active Living Centres are a vital hub for connection, engagement, and physical activity for our seniors. This funding will help The Markham Seniors Activity Centre continue to provide a diverse range of activities, programs, and services that support the wellbeing of seniors in Markham.”

– Paul Calandra, Member of Provincial Parliament for Markham—Stouffville

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti is joined by members of Provincial Parliament, members of Markham Council, and Board Members of Older Adults in Action at an announcement made on July 17, 2023 at the Markham Seniors Activity Centre.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: 
media@markham.ca 

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 353,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 

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