Markham Museum Receives Provincial Funding to Support Programming for Older Adults

MARKHAM, ON – September 25, 2023 – The City of Markham’s Markham Museum is proud to receive $24,428 in funding through the Province’s 2023-24 Seniors Community Grant Program. The funds will be used by the Museum to encourage older adults to participate in interactive programs, with a special focus on those who may face a variety of barriers to participation including economic, language, lack of opportunities and accessibility.

“Markham’s commitment to inclusion has always extended to seniors in our community,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “With this additional funding, the Markham Museum can extend their already robust series of programs for people of all ages. Programming specifically for older adults focuses on their particular interests and the ability to access the museum site.”

The three main program opportunities that will be available as a result of the new funding are:

• Five-week pottery hand-building courses at the Museum
  • Four separate sessions will be offered between October and March.
• Two-hour introduction to pottery hand-building
  • Ten classes available in the community.
• Group tour of the exhibition “Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories and Experiences of the Chinese Community” and exhibition related activities.
  • Between November 2023 and mid-February 2024 there will be six tours available with related activities. Two of the tours will also provide accessible bussing, at no cost.

Seniors Community Grants help support community organizations’ ability to provide opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement for older adults.

“Seniors Community Grants are keeping our seniors fit, active, healthy and socially connected close to home, in their communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Our government is proud to invest in these projects with local organizations to meet the needs of seniors, provide the supports seniors need and deserve that also help to battle social isolation.”

Since 2018, the Ontario Ministry For Seniors and Accessibility has invested over $22 million in grants supporting over 1,200 grassroots projects that have helped seniors stay socially and physically active in their communities.

Markham Museum is a one of a kind site featuring over 20 historic buildings on 25-acres of open-air parkland. The site has been open since 1971 and offers a unique educational experience through year-round exhibits, public programs, signature events and research facilities.



Regional Councillor Alan Ho, Ward 4 Councillor Karen Rea, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, MPP Markham – Unionville Billy Pang, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho, Ward 6 Councillor Amanda Yeung Collucci, Ward 8 Councillor Isa Lee and Ward 2 Councillor Ritch Lau at the announcement made on Sept. 23, 2023, at Markham Museum. 
 

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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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